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Archived News from October 2003

REPORT FROM SPORT FIRST
26th October 2003 16:23


Lawrence's double hits the spot:

By John Lomas

After two successive away defeats to promotion rivals, Mansfield bounced back by serving up another Field Mill goal feast.

This rout took their tally to 23 goals in eight home League games, but was a little harsh on managerless Cheltenham.

Mansfield's goals came at the right times, and had veteran Bob Taylor taken a great chance just before the break it could have been a different story.

“The difference was that we put the ball in the net and looked lively and inventive in the final third,” said relieved Mansfield boss Keith Curle. “We still had a few scares in the first half when we struggled to come to terms with the conditions which were very windy.

“But the mindset of the players was right. I told them to be disciplined but entertaining. The goals did come at the right times but I thought we looked a threat throughout.

Liam Lawrence put Mansfield ahead on seven minutes, netting from the spot after being brought down by Darren Jones.

Both keepers then pulled off a series of excellent saves, but it was Mansfield who grabbed the all important second goal just before half-time as Colin Larkin headed home Wayne Corden's far post cross for his first goal of the season.

Lee Howells sent Larkin on his way to comprehensively lash home his second and Lawrence netted another spot kick five minutes from time after he was again brought down by Jones.

Disappointed caretaker manager Bob Bloomer said “I congratulated Keith Curle on Mansfield's good performance but I didn't really think it was a 4-0 game. It was very harsh on the lads and they're a bit down.”

 

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