Archived News from March 2011
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MITCHLEY GOAL SEE STAGS ONE UP IN FA TROPHY S-F
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FA Trophy semi-final first leg
Mansfield Town 1 - 0 Luton Town Mitchley 62 Attendance: 3208 (422 from Luton) Date: 13 March 2011 Martin Shaw and Simon Chamberlain at Field Mill The Stags beat Luton 1-0 in the first leg of the FA Trophy semi final at Field Mill on Sunday afternoon. The only goal was scored by Danny Mitchley on 62 minutes as Gary Silk slid a ball into the box on the right, Mitchley had a defender tight on him, and with his back to goal, turned and fired across keeper Kevin Pilkington and in off the left post. It was a precision finish and another crucial goal from the young striker. In an even game, it was David Grof who was the busier of the two keepers, pulling off 5 very good saves, while at the other end, Mansfield had lots of possession but not many shots on target. A good performance from Mansfield against very good opposition, that sets up a mouth-watering second leg at Kenilworth Road next Saturday. Stagsnet report in the Match Centre. ------------------ Mansfield Town 1 Luton Town 0, FA TRophy semi-final 1st leg Sunday 13th March CHAD report by John Lomas GUTSY Mansfield Town certainly gave it their Sunday best by grabbing a one-goal advantage in the first leg of the FA Trophy semi-final against Luton Town at Field Mill today, reports John Lomas. http://www.chad.co.uk/sport/football/mansfield-town-fc/mansfield_town_1_luton_town_0_fa_trophy_semi_final_1st_leg_sunday_13th_march_1_3176563 But they won't know if their best was good enough until after next Saturday's second leg at Kenilworth Road with a place in the Wembley final at stake. Danny Mitchley's 62nd minute finish on the turn separated the sides at the end of a tense and even 90 minutes in this 'high noon' showdown. Paul Connor even had an effort disallowed for offside as the first half ended all square. But it was home on-loan keeper David Grof who was man of the match with a string of fine, if often unconventional, saves to thwart Richard Money's high-flying side. The crowd was a tad disappointing at 3,208 with Luton selling only 422 of their 1,800 allocation, suggesting the visitors are far more interested in league matters still. Stags were shorn of the services of two key players with Adam Murray unable to play as part of the deal that saw him move between the two clubs earlier in the season while on-loan Stoke striker Louis Moult had not recovered from a back injury picked up last weekend. In came Kyle Nix into central midfield while Danny Mitchley continued to deputise up front. Stags successfully defended an early Luton corner while the Hatters headed away a dangerous early Cain cross as both sides began in positive fashion. Nix put in the game's first tasty tackle with a late lunge on Gnapka that earned an 11th minute yellow card. Owusu was too high first time from 16 yards as Naylor put in a fine last ditch challenge on him which left the young defender needing treatment. On 19 minutes the visitors fashioned a great opportunity as Barnes-Homer pulled back an inviting low ball towards the edge of the box inviting Murray to pick his spot only to see him fire his first time effort wide. A free kick routine at the other end saw Cain shoot horribly wide. Luton were close again when Gnapka nutmegged Silk on the left and crossed low to Howells whose shot took a deflection off Naylor, forcing Grof to re-adjust and make a good one-handed save high to his right. On 29 minutes Mansfield had their first real sniff of goal as Nix threaded a great ball through to Mitchley 10 yards from goal. But he was a fraction too slow in pulling the trigger and Murray was able to slide in and tackle. Soon after Nix sent a 20 yard free kick into the Hatters' wall. On 32 minutes Spence and Nix cared Luton open with Connor slotting Nix's final ball past Kevin Pilkington as an offside flag was raised. A decent Spence cross from the left sailed across the face of goal and out for a throw, then George Pilkington got his body in the way of a Connor blast, as Mansfield enjoyed their best spell of the game, the home fans warming to their efforts. An off-balance Mitchley couldn't guide a Cain cross on target as Kevin Pilkington grabbed the loose ball on 38 minutes. Grof was back in action on 43 minutes as Keane crossed to the far post and Owusu got a header on target which the keeper chose to punch instead of catch but kept it out. So a very tight, even half ended scoreless. Stags were first to show after the break as a teasing Briscoe cross passed inches in front of the incoming Nix. Grof made a good stop to deny Lawless on 54 minutes. Howells sent Barnes-Homer down the left and his low cross saw Lawless hit a first time blast on target which Grof beat away. On 61 minutes Lawless made a good tackle on Nix 30 yards from goal, took it on a couple of strides and let fly, Grof turning it round at full stretch. The corner from the left was then headed inches over his own bar by Spence. That produced another corner which, when half cleared, was sent back to the far post by Lawless and met by George Pilkington who saw his header strike the bar on 62 minutes. Incredibly, from that let-off, play swung straight back down to the other end where Mansfield took the lead. Silk fed Mitchley in the box and, back to goal from eight yards, he turned well and guided a low finish in off the far post. Briscoe whipped another inviting ball across the face of Luton's goal on 71 minutes as the home side hunted for a second goal. Grof again came to Mansfield's rescue on 73 minutes as Howells crossed from the left and Crow met it with a powerful diving header that the Hungarian again turned aside. Cain left the field with 15 minutes left as Smith was given a run-out from the subs' bench. Thompson was too high with a volley from a half-cleared Nix corner. The visitors were screaming for a penalty after Naylor slid in to tackle Crow and they felt the ball touched the defender's hand. But the officials disagreed. An extra five minutes were added at the end and when Barnes-Homer's late shot deflected for a corner, home hearts were in mouths. But they survived and Stags and their fans now face a nailbiting six day wait to see if they can look forward to a day out at Wembley for the second time in their history. STAGS: Grof; Silk, Sandwith, Naylor, Spence; Cain (Smith 75), Thompson, Nix, Briscoe (Istead 85); Connor, Mitchley. Subs not used: Marriott, Foster, Stonehouse. LUTON: K. Pilkington; Graham, G. Pilkington, Kroca, Murray (Poku 75); Gnapka (Morgan-Smith 69), Lawless, Keane, Howells; Barnes-Homer, Owusu (Crow 56). Subs not used: Tyler, Asafu-Adjaye. REFEREE: Karl Evans of Wigan. ATTENDANCE: 3,208 (422 away). GOAL: Stags – Mitchley 62mins. CAUTIONS: Stags – Nix 7mins (foul). CHAD STAGS MAN OF THE MATCH: David Grof --------------- Full time: Stags 1 Luton 0 Evening Post report DANNY Mitchley was the goal-scoring hero as Mansfield Town secured a 1-0 win in the FA Trophy semi-final first leg against Luton Town at Field Mill. http://www.thisisnottingham.co.uk/mansfieldtown/time-Stags-1-Luton-0/article-3324807-detail/article.html? But the Stags also have a man-of-the-match performance by goalkeeper David Grof to thank for the clean sheet. The Hungarian completed five flying saves to ensure Mansfield held on for victory. Mitchley's goal came in the 62nd minute after Stags right -back Gary Silk had shown good vision to pick him out on the right-hand edge of the area. The striker controlled the ball with his back to goal but turned his marker and fired a right-footed shot across Luton goalkeeper Kevin Pilkington and into the net off the left-hand post. An offside flag had denied Mansfield the lead at half-time as Stags' top scorer Paul Connor had the ball in the net in the 31st minute after a flowing move, only to see his celebrations cut short after a tight offside decision. The second half saw the home side survive a spell of pressure from the visitors before taking the lead. Grof pulled off a top-drawer save in the 53rd minute after he dived to his left to keep out a shot by midfielder Alex Lawless from 12 yards. From that save, the Stags broke with winger Ashley Cain, but his cross from the right flew harmlessly out for a goal kick with men in the box. Lawless then took another pop at Grof's goal on the hour mark, but his right-footed strike from 20 yards was tipped around for a corner by the goalkeeper. Stags defender Dan Spence then had homes fans worrying when he nodded the corner over his own crossbar from inside the six-yard box. Luton defender George Pilkington then hung in the air at the back right post and nodded back across goal onto the top of the bar. A minute later and Mitchley gave Mansfield the lead, firing in despite the best efforts of Pilkington to score his second goal in two games. Instead of sitting back on their advantage, the home side went in search of a second goal. A surging run by Briscoe in the 70th minute saw him turn the Luton defence inside and out before he whipped the ball across Pilikington's goal and out for a goal kick. But the visitors kept up the pressure at the other end and it took another great stop by Grof to deny former Notts County player Danny Crow and equaliser in the 74th minute. Crow planted a free header from a Howell cross to the right of Grof, but he once again proved equal to it and kept it out. Luton kept up the pressure in the final minutes and when a Barnes-Homer shot was deflected wide for a corner in the 95th minute the away fans' hopes of an equaliser grew. But the Stags cleared the resultant corner kick to ensure they take a one goal advantage into next Saturday's second leg ----------------------------- Evening Post considered report: Stags give themselves every chance to book a dream date at Wembley THEY may be 90 minutes from a trip to Wembley but you wouldn't have known it by the look of Mansfield Town's players at full-time yesterday. http://www.thisisnottingham.co.uk/football/Stags-chance-book-dream-date-Wembley/article-3325009-detail/article.html? There were no wild celebrations, just handshakes at securing a vital win. It was a sign that the Stags know that there is still work for them to do in order to reach the FA Trophy final and a first trip to Wembley in 24 years. But after a 1-0 win over Luton Town in the first leg of the semi-final, Mansfield can rightly feel that they have given themselves a fighting chance of setting up that dream date. Danny Mitchley was the goal-scoring hero but the Stags also had a man-of-the-match performance by goalkeeper David Grof to thank for securing victory and what could be a priceless clean sheet. The Hungarian completed five flying saves to ensure Mansfield held on to their advantage. It was the kind of strong performance the home side needed in the absence of their captain, Adam Murray, who was unavailable to play against his former club due to the terms of his transfer from the Hatters in January. Stags manager Duncan Russell brought Kyle Nix into midfield in place of Murray, with the rest of the starting XI the same as the side that beat Chasetown 3-1 in the quarter final replay at Field Mill last Tuesday. Luton boss Richard Money selected former Stags stopper Kevin Pilkington and centre-half Luke Graham in his starting line-up. Ex Notts County and Ilkeston Town players Danny Crow and Amari Morgan-Smith also started on the Hatters' bench. An even first half saw the visitors dominate possession early on, with Nix receiving an early booking after five minutes for a lunging foul on Luton winger Claude Gnapka. A poor clearance by Kevin Sandwith then led to the first shot of the game in the 12th minute. The defender gave possession away on the right-hand side of the pitch before Luton played it across to the left. Good link-up play ended with Lloyd Owusu shooting over Grof's goal. Mansfield's brightest openings came through Ashley Cain, whose jinking runs down the right frequently had Howells and Murray on the back foot. The home side's first real opening came in the 19th minute following a foul on striker Mitchley. Cain laid the free kick off to Louis Briscoe but his shot rolled well wide of Pilkington's goal. Cain was fouled again a minute later after another pacy run. The subsequent free kick taken by Nix was cleared, and led to a break which ended with Luton's best opportunity of the half. Gnapka picked up possession before running down the left wing and squaring the ball to Howells, whose shot deflected off Tom Naylor and was turned around the post by the Grof. The shot began a period of pressure on the Stags defence by Luton. Then the tide turned in the 29th minutes as a break by Nix saw him play in Mitchley. The striker delayed his shot and a good challenge saw the ball cleared. Two minutes later, Mansfield had the ball in the net. A poor clearance by Pilkington looped high into the air and was nodded on by Briscoe to Mitchley. The ball moved on to Nix who slide in Connor who flicked the ball passed Pilkington from six yards, only for the offside flag to go up. A whipped cross from Cain was then nodded on by Mitchley and saved by Pilkington in the 37th minute. But Luton reminded Mansfield that they wouldn't have it their own way in the 42nd minute. A cross from the right by Keith Keane was headed towards goal at the far post by Owusu, forcing Grof into a flying save to tip it around the post for a corner. The start of the second half mirrored the first, with Luton having the greater share of possession. But the Stags stood firm before taking the lead. Grof pulled off a top-drawer save in the 53rd minute after he dived to his left to keep out a shot by midfielder Alex Lawless from 12 yards. From that save, the Stags broke with Cain, but his cross from the right flew harmlessly out for a goal-kick with men in the box. Lawless then took another pop at Grof's goal on the hour, but his right-footed strike from 20 yards was tipped around for a corner by the goalkeeper. Stags defender Dan Spence then had home fans worrying when he nodded the corner over his own crossbar from inside the six-yard box. Luton defender George Pilkington then hung in the air at the back right post and nodded back across goal onto the top of the bar. However, the next attack by Mansfield in the 62nd minute proved to be the match-winner. Stags right-back Gary Silk showed good vision to pick out Mitchley on the right-hand edge of the area. The striker controlled the ball with his back to goal, turned his marker and fired a right-footed shot across Pilkington and in off the left-hand post. Instead of sitting back and protecting the lead, Mansfield went in search of a second goal. A surging run by Briscoe in the 70th minute saw him turn the Luton defence inside and out before he whipped the ball across Pilikington's goal and out for a goal kick. But the visitors kept up the pressure at the other end and it took another great stop by Grof to deny Crow an equaliser in the 74th minute. Crow planted a free header from a Howell cross to the right of Grof, but he once again proved equal to it. Luton kept up the pressure in the final minutes and won a corner in the 95th minute when a Barnes-Homer shot was deflected out of play. But the Stags cleared the resultant flag-kick to ensure they take a one-goal advantage into next Saturday's second leg Stags v Luton match facts Mansfield: Grof, Silk, Sandwith, Briscoe (Istead 84), Thompson, Nix, Naylor, Spence, Connor, Cain (Smith 74), Mitchley. Other subs: Marriott, Foster, Stonehouse. Luton: Kevin Pilkington, Graham, George Pilkington, Kroca, Murray (Poku 87), Howells, Keane, Lawless, Gnakpa (Morgan-Smith, 67), Barnes-Homer, Owusu (Crow 54). Other subs: Tyler, Asafu-Adjaye. Goals Mansfield Town 1: Danny Mitchley, 62 Luton Town 0 Shots on target Stags 2, Luton 6 Shots off target – Stags 6, Luton 4 Fouls – Stags 5, Luton 8 Offsides – Stags 2, Luton 2 Corners – Stags 1, Luton 7 Bookings Stags 1 (Nix, 7th minute), Luton 0 Reds – none Attendance – 3,208 (422 visiting fans) Referee – Karl Evans (Wigan) MoM – David Grof – The Hungarian shot-stopper set the tone for the Stags' solid defensive display. His five top-class saves helped to ensure the home side take a slender lead to Kenilworth Road on Saturday ------------------------ Kneejerk Reactions Posted by PDW on March 13, 2011, Luton message board Now, there are many fine reasons to be alive. Being in Mansfield ( twinned with the Jeremy Kyle Show) at 10am on a Sunday does not count as one of them. Like many games before this season, our profligacy in front of goal cost us dear, added to an insipid hoof ball madness in the first half, before an much improved second half. Admittedly Grof in the Stags goal made four corking flying saves and George Pilkington was unlucky to see a header smack against the bar. If he repeats that standard of performance again next Saturday, Im the Queen of Sheba . But if you miss chances, you are always liable to get punished, and against the run of the play we were, just after our best passage of play, a rare Mansfield effort ended up going in. Mitchley receiving Silk's ball down the right, turned past George Pilkington and finished beyond Kevin Pilkington and in via the far post. We deserved something out of the game, but no one to blame but ourselves. Rather ironic, the first time in the Trophy thingy, we field our strongest side available apart from changing the goalkeeper, we lose. Surprised at the team selection considering the short time before Tuesday's match at Cambridge. Which is number one excuse if things don't go well there. Newton back in the squad (can hardly contain my excitement), was the one left out spending most of the pre-match chatting up Baldy Murray. Isn't young love sweet? Apart from needing matching their spirit and fight, the second leg is far from irretrievable. Won't be easy against a Mansfield team who gave it their all on the day, but the league table isn't far off the mark with their position. It's good practice for the play offs in May. In a pressure situation, not that confident about our current little lot, delivery. Hope Im proved wrong, but just got a hunch. Mansfield aren't the rabble without any discipline which lined up against us last time (has Barnes-Homer's penalty re-entered orbit yet?), however since they managed by a former Watford player then, it's no surprise they lacked gumption. The current Mansfield side have no stars, but like Kidderminster work well as a unit. Nix looks to have a fine passing range in the midfield, Connor is a danger in the air, centre halves perfectly decent. They including one or our many short lived loanees Ashley Cain, he's very fast, but the tactic of doubling up on him with Howells and Murray worked well. Like most rapid footballers their legs work quickly, but their brain doesn't, his final ball was very ropey. Talking of a lack of brains, our tactics were brain dead in the first half. Quite why we continue to hoof everything directly in away games is sure madness. It's an ineffective, eyesore. haven't got the foggiest why this idea is continued, as neither forward is good in the air. Beside the fact, most of the passes were well overhit and sailing straight through to Grof. Bravo for being everyone involved being too stubborn and pigheaded when something doesn't work, to continue to do so. The fact of it is for us to succeed we need to play a fast tempo, keep it on the floor, get Lawless involved as much as possible, Barnes-Homer getting into space where he can exploit gaps when that happens, we look good. Appreciate the heavy pitches we play on is not conducive to passing football. The second half, we got the ball down better, used MBH more out wide, and for a first time were a threat to Mansfield's goal. Why it takes so long for us to get going in away games is very puzzling. It was a fairly cagey start to the game, the ground less than half full. Very little pattern. As with most games at this level, it's wholehearted enough but woefully mediocre. The first noteworthy incident was a wild high assault on Claude by Nix. Free kick given, Nix rightly booked, but for some reason Claude felt the need to stick his head near the Mansfield player. Oh, get on the game, you tart. After that, except for a couple fo fine probing runs, his work was done for the afternoon. Money would have dropped Claude by now, if he were going to. Another reason why Money may take the club so far, but no further. His mind is made up on everything and refuses to be flexible. The game progressed with more free kicks being given away than chances created, Keane leaving his leg in on Nix, Lucky to walk away without a caution. Our first piece of good play arrived down the left with Murray and Howells combining, the latter's pass into Barnes-Homer's feet, his short lay off, didn't allow much time for Owusu to line up a drive, the effort deflected by Naylor, who performed a fair few similar blocks all afternoon. Gnakpa making progress down the right past Spence, into the box, found MBH, an excellent spot, found Murray unopposed on the edge of the box, fired way off the target. The quality of the game was best displayed after Mansfield won a free kick, thirty yards from goal, towards their left flank. Short free kick played square by Cain towards Briscoe, the referee got completely in the way and the shot by Briscoe dribbled near the corner flag. We slowly, very slowly started to edge the game. A lovely control and turn by Lawless, into Keane, sent towards Claude popping up on the left, getting the better of Silk, low pass into Howells, his left footer took an obvious deflection off Sandwith, looping goalward, Grof already on the floor, struck his hand up and knocked the ball away. Mansfield were too getting into their stride, a perfectly timed tackle by G.Pilkington robbed Mitchley, after been found by Connor. The home crowd screamed for a penalty, but it was a case of class defending. Nix, exploiting the space in front of the back four, running forward, finding Connor, whom finished past K.Pilkington, but thankfully the lino had his flag up. K.Pilkington had an easy afternoon on his return to Field Mill, except for his terrible sliced kicking which found the touchline more often than not. The home side almost took advantage of a tame wayward Murray header, dropping straight at the feet of Connor, his through pass towards Briscoe was timely incepted by Kroca, it was not properly away as pence zoomed down the left flank, his cross whizzed across the face of mouth, but Cain was unable to get a touch. It was odd, Mansfield didn't try to use going down the left more, from Briscoe's powerful runs, Graham looked ill at ease against him...goes without saying no help from Monsieur No.18. A pearling crossfield ball found Cain, but K.Pilkington managed to grab his cross. The quality of the game wasn't improving but at least there was more goalmouth action. Howells turning onto Murray's throw ( the white towel has been found at last !!!), he fairly thumped a drive into the head of Naylor, the force of which bowled the defender over. The nearest we came to breaking the deadlock, was Owusu's downward header from Keane's centre from the right, acrobatically repelled by Grof. The second half, saw us play some football, after Briscoe drilled a centre which eluded Nix. Barnes-Homer eased past Silk, playing an inch perfect side footed cross for Lawless to stab goalwards which Grof made another wonderful save. It was his day. Owusu feeling the effects of a knock to his head after an aerial challenge and was replaced by Crow. Lawless winning the ball in midfield, turning running through, tried his luck, Grof turned the ball behind with a more comfortable save. Even from the resulting corner by Lawless, Naylor sent a nervy poked header just over his own crossbar. Another corner was half cleared, clever pass down the line by Howells finding Lawless sent in a soaring centre finishing Pilkington to send a header onto the bar. A goal had to come with all this pressure...it did. Shame it was at the wrong end. Was a good little move, Mitchley, turning past Pilkington from Silk's pass, finding the back of the net via the far post. Mansfield shut up shop, Thompson their captain putting in plenty of hard graft in midfield, Whilst we continued to dominate, our best chances had gone to level the scores , as the hosts had something to cling onto. Morgan-Smith replaced Claude, surely it's worth a punt for AMS to have some games back into the team to regain his form, even more so as Willmott is cup tied ( don't suppose he will be able to play on Tuesday either) . MBH rolled the ball into Crow, once again a yellow and blue shirt, this one belonging to Sandwith, blocked the shot. Briscoe on the break getting past Graham, his curling centre from the left eluded Mitchley at the far post. Crow's diving header from close range, Grof producing another fine block to keep it out after Keane and Lawless linked up. Murray pulled up straight away and was replaced by Poku. Howells on the left back spot. Lawless right wing, AMS on the left. AMS receiving a clipped through ball from Lawless, got ahead of Silk, but unable to lift the ball over Grof. Despite five minutes of injury time, Crow's dive into Naylor's mid-drift was as good as it got. Leaving it all to play in the second leg. Kevin Pilkington 5.5, Luke Graham 5.5, Zdenek Kroca 8, George Pilkington 7, Freddie Murray 6 ( Godfrey Poku) , Claude Gnakpa 5 , Alex Lawless 7.5, Keith Keane 6.5, Jake Howells 7, Matthew Barnes-Homer 7, Lloyd Owusu 6. Subs not used - Mark Tyler, Edward Asafu-Adjaye. Mansfield - Grof, Silk, Naylor, Sandwith,Spence, Cain (Smith), Thompson, Nix, Briscoe( Istead), Connor, Mitchley. Booked - Nix *THE DISCLAIMER* - The above ratings were picked on a whim and very rarely are an accurate reflection on the player's performances simply to annoy the reader , largely too busy looking forward to Richard Money, getting his wish granted to take us all to Wembley if we qualify, at his own expense. You don't say you want to take people somewhere and expect them to pay, that smacks of tightness. Very generous of old Grumpy Bum to do that. Unless it's an elaborate grooming plot and bizarrely enough have never been the honey trap before, Im happy to accept. Would prefer to be invited out at somewhere more glamourous than a dreadful hell hole in North West London just for a football match. Still, the thought is there. ---------------------- Stage party as Hatters blows their chances dunstabletoday.co.uk FA Trophy, semi-final first leg Mansfield Town 1 (0) Luton Town 0 (0) A STRING of fine saves from Mansfield keeper David Grof frustrated Luton as the Stags stole the advantage in the first leg of this FA Trophy semi-final, writes Mark Wood. http://www.dunstabletoday.co.uk/sport/football/local-football/stage_party_as_hatters_blows_their_chances_1_2497839 The Hatters were the far more creative side but failed to take their chances and were made to pay when Danny Mitchley squeezed home the winner in this contest 17 minutes into the second half. Town huffed and puffed throughout, but couldn't quite find the net and face an uphill battle in their bid to return Wembley in the return leg at Kenilworth Road on Saturday. The Hatters made two changes from the side that eased to a 2-0 home win over Tamworth in the league on Tuesday night. Trophy first choice keeper and former Mansfield favourite Kevin Pilkington took over between the sticks from Mark Tyler, while Dan Gleeson (knee knock) was replaced at right-back by Luke Graham. Mansfield, meanwhile, were deprived of captain and former Hatter Adam Murray, who missed out as part of the terms that took him to field Mill earlier this season, for this Sunday noon kick off. The game started at a frenetic pace and it was no surprise when Kyle Nix was booked for a lunging tackle on Claude Gnakpa after just seven minutes. Luton finally crafted the first chance of the game with a beautiful flowing move on 12 minutes. Jake Howells and Freddie Murray combined brilliantly on the left and the latter's cross was teed up by Matthew Barnes-Homer but Lloyd Owusu could only balloon wastefully over. More good play from Gnakpa and Barnes-Homer saw the ball rolled to Murray on the edge of the box seven minutes later, but he could only blast well wide. At the other end Louis Briscoe dragged the wildest of free-kicks so far wide it threatened the corner flag. But it was Luton who were playing most of the football and they almost snatched the lead midway through the half. Gnakpa produced some magic on the left, nutmegging his man, before sliding Howells through but Kevin Sandwith's last-ditch challenge and a strong hand from on loan Notts County keeper Grof was just enough to turn the ball past the post. A combination of Murray and George Pilkington then timed their tackles brilliantly to deny Mitchley on 29 minutes as the Stags enjoyed their best patch of the game. Nix was then thwarted by the Luton captain before Paul Connor had a goal ruled out for offside. Mansfield continued to threaten with George Pilkington blocking Connor's blast on the edge of the box and a cross by former Luton loan man Ashley Cain being well snaffled by Kevin Pilkington. Town were hitting too many ineffective long balls but almost grabbed the lead two minutes before the break when Keith Keane whipped in a cross to the far post and Grof could only parry Owusu's powerful header, but unfortunately for Luton no-one was lurking to take advantage of the rebound as the sides went into the break goalless. The second half got off to a cagey opening with Howells miskicking a decent half chance on the edge of the box five minutes in. Howells threaded through a fine ball for Barnes-Homer on 54 minutes and he picked out Alex Lawless on the edge of the box but his first time effort was well beaten away by Grof. A knock to Owusu forced the Town target man off on seconds later and he was replaced by Danny Crow. The creative Lawless then burst through the middle just past the hour but his long-range drive was pushed round the post by Grof as Town started to turn the screw. Barnes-Homer just could connect with Lawless' centre with Tom Spence's defensive header only just clearing the bar. Another Lawless cross was won at the far post by George Pilkington but his header back across goal clipped the bar on it's way over. And true to form Luton were caught with the sucker punch second later as Mansfield took a 62nd-minute lead. Mitchley did well to fend off the attentions of George Pilkington and span well before somehow squeezing home a shot in of the far post. Crow was just crowded out on 66 minutes as Luton looked for an equaliser, while the fleet-footed Briscoe whisked a cross-shot across the face of goal four minutes later. Good defending by Graham then kept Mitchley out before Luton were denied by another good stop from Grof. A fluid move eventually saw Howells dink in a lovely first-time cross but Crow's header was straight at the Mansfield stopper who was again able to bat the ball away. Morgan-Smith almost got in behind with three minutes left but was again thwarted by Grof before Crow also stole in but his effort was smuggled behind with appeals for handball waved away. Substitute Godfrey Poku had an overly ambitious strike whizz over as five minutes of injury time were played. Barnes-Homer had a howitzer deflected behind but Town couldn't find a way through as they handed the initiative to the Stags. Stags: David Grof, Gary Silk, Kevin Sandwith, Louis Briscoe (Steven Istead 85), Tyrone Thompson (C), Kyle Nix, Tom Naylor, Dan Spence, Paul Connor, Ashley Cain (Adam Smith 75), Danny Mitchley. Substitutes not used: Alan Marriott, Steve Foster, Paul Stonehouse. Hatters: Kevin Pilkington, Freddie Murray (Godfrey Poku 75), Keith Keane, Luke Graham, George Pilkington, Matthew Barnes-Homer, Zdenek Kroca, Alex Lawless, Jake Howells, Claude Gnakpa (Amari Morgan-Smith 69), Lloyd Owusu (Danny Crow 55). Substitutes not used: Mark Tyler, Ed Asafu-Adjaye. Bookings: Nix 7. Referee: Karl Evans. Assistant referees: Steven Plan and Matthew Pope. Fourth official: Stephen Ross. Attendance: 3,208 (Luton 422). Star Hatter: Alex Lawless. Town's most creative force in a game they should have won ------------------------ http://www.lutontown.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10372~2314658,00.html MANSFIELD TOWN 1-0 HATTERS Posted on: Sun 13 Mar 2011 An inspired display from Mansfield goalkeeper David Grof meant the Town go into next Saturday's second leg a goal down in their FA Trophy semi-final. The home stopper made six superb saves to thwart the Hatters and they were made to pay for those misses on 62 minutes when Danny Mitchley's turn and shot beat Kevin Pilkington and went in off the post to give the Stags the lead. In the first half Grof got in the way of efforts from Jake Howells and Lloyd Owusu before he kept out goal-bound efforts from Alex Lawless, Danny Crow and Amari Morgan-Smith to frustrate the visitors. Skipper George Pilkington saw a header hit the crossbar in the second half and it was frustrating for the visitors that mid-table Mansfield's sole chance proved to be costly for Richard Money's men. Full report to follow, for minute-by-minute analysis, see below. FULL-TIME It's all over here at Field Mill and it's Mansfield who take an advantage into the second leg at Kenilworth Road next Saturday. Stayed tuned for interviews, reaction, photographs and analysis. 90 mins + 5 - 15 seconds left, corner to the Town...cleared. 90 mins + 3 - Still two minutes to play, the Town have the ball... 90 mins + 2 - Free-kick to the Hatters...cleared...falls to Poku 25 yards out but the strike from the substitute is way over the bar. 90 mins - There's an additional five minutes for the Hatters to find an equaliser. 90 mins - We're in the last minute now... 88 mins - All the Town now, Crow almost in on goal after Keane's pass, and despite penalty claims it's only a corner which is cleared. 86 mins - Four minutes left now and there's no surprise as the match sponsor is home stopper David Grof. He is then in action once more to keep out Morgan-Smith's near post effort after Lawless' hooked pass. 83 mins - Seven minutes left and it's a volley from distance from Tyrone Thompson that isn't far away from giving the hosts a two-goal advantage. The attendance here by the way is 3,208 which includes 422 shouting for the Town. That's Mansfield's third 3,000+ gate of the season. 81 mins - Blimey, the Town are living dangerously at the back now and it's the hosts that are pressing for a second goal. 78 mins - 12 minutes left and the Hatters are unlucky not to find themselves in front given the chances they've created over the past 78 minutes. Can they create another to bring the scores level going into next Saturday's second leg? 75 mins Third change for the Town as Godfrey Poku replaces Murray. Howells drops to left-back, Lawless moves to the right flank with Morgan-Smith now on the left. 73 mins - Grof in the home goal is certainly going to be named man-of-the-match as he produces more heroics. This time it's a Howells' cross from the left that is perfect for Crow but the striker's header from 10 yards is kept out by the home goalkeeper, his fifth fine save of the afternoon. Incredible. Mansfield then break down the other end but Connor's near post header is off target following Cain's cross. 70 mins - With their tails up Mansfield fancy themselves to grab another and it's fine close control from Briscoe that forges half a chance as his left-wing cross flashes across goal. 69 mins Second change of the afternoon for the Town and it's Amari Morgan-Smith on for Gnakpa in a straight swap. 66 mins - The Hatters have done well since going a goal down and Crow comes close to levelling it up when finding space in the Mansfield penalty area following Barnes-Homer's pass but the substitutes' shot is blocked by a defender before Gnakpa tries to barge his way past three Mansfield men but is eventually crowded out. 62 mins GOAL! MANSFIELD 1-0 Town - Well the Hatters have had the better of the chances and lo and behold they find themselves behind, out of nothing. With his back to goal eight yards out DANNY MITCHLEY turns and fires a low shot that Pilkington can only tip onto the post but the momentum of the ball spins the ball into the net. Advantage Mansfield. 62 mins - Still the Town press, a Lawless super cross from the left is headed onto the top of the crossbar by Pilkington and the back post. 61 mins - Town on top now as they up the ante in search of a first leg leg lead as Lawless drives forward after winning the ball in the middle of the park and hits a great shot that Grof palms away, diving to his right. 55 mins Owusu was off the field when MBH strode clear with a head injury and he has played his last action of the game and is replaced by Danny Crow in the Town's first change of the afternoon. 54 mins - Oh oh, super stuff from the Town and they should be one up. Barnes-Homer gets the better of Gary Silk brilliantly down the left and finds Lawless unmarked on the penalty spot. The midfielder hits it first time with a side-foot shot that that Grof does well to parry away. Mansfield then break down the right but Cain wastes a good move by pinging a cross out of play to the disgust of the home faithful. That's the third vital save of the afternoon by the home goalkeeper. 52 mins - End to end stuff at the minute but it's a combination of good defending from both sides as well as losing possession. There's always a roar of expectancy from the home crowd whenever Cain gets the ball down the right flank. 50 mins - Almost a sniff for the Stags as Briscoe floats in a cross from the left but Nix, unmarked in the Town penalty area, can't get on the end of it. Then the Hatters break and the ball falls to Howells on the edge of the area but he scuffs his shot which is blocked. 48 mins - Pretty low start to this second half although the Hatters perhaps the brighter of the two sides. 46 mins Annnnnnd we're off for the second half as the Town restart kicking towards the 400 or so fans that have made the trip up from Bedfordshire this morning. HALF-TIME Referee Evans calls time on the first 45 minutes and the two sides go in at the break level. Mansfield have had a decent 15 minutes but haven't test Kevin Pilkington whilst the Hatters have done well either side of that, forcing home goalkeeper David Grof into two vitals saves to keep the score goalless. Stay tuned in 15 minutes for all the second half updates. 45 mins - We've got at least one minute of added time here at the end of the first half. 43 mins - Chance. And the it's again for the Town - they've had the best of the them this half - and it's goalkeepr Grof again to rescue for the hosts as he flings himself away to his right to preveny Owusu's header from Keane's deep right-wing cross from finding the top corner of the net. Unlucky. 42 mins - Mansfield bossing things once more but both teams at the minute guilty of giving the ball away. 38 mins - Back come the Hatters in a rare foray forward in the last 10 minutes, Howells finding space in the home penalty area to blast a shot goalwards which is blocked. 37 mins - A save for Kevin Pilkington keeps the Stags at bay with Briscoe pinging a super ball out to Cain on the right. He beats Murray to send a cross onto the head of Mitchley whose deft header is kept out. 36 mins - More good defending from Pilkington as Nix finds Connor on the edge of the area with a nice pass but the Town skipper is there to throw himself at the home striker and gets in a fantastic block. 34 mins - Still the Stags press this time a flowing move eventually sees the hosts pop the ball out to flying left-back Dan Spence who sends in a lovely cross but it eludes everyone and the Hatters can regroup. 31 mins - All of a sudden it's all Mansfield as firstly a fantastic tackle by Pilkington denies Nix a shot at goal before they have the ball in the net through Paul Connor but he's a yard offside and it remains 0-0. Just. It's the Stags best spell of the game so far. 29 mins - Everyone inside Field Mill supporting the Stags are baying for a penalty as Danny Mitchley goes down in the box under pressure from Pilkington and Murray but the ball was played and the ref agrees, no pen. 26 mins - Half a sniff and barely worth mentioning but I will anyway as Mansfield's Paul Connor takes a throw from the left and volleys well wide. 24 mins - No doubt the Town have had the better of the chances and are enjoying the better of possession. Encouraging stuff from the visitors so far but Mansfield look a threat on the break. 22 mins - Super, super save from home goalkeeper David Grof prevents the Hatters from going ahead. Gnakpa does brilliantly to keep going down the left after being hauled down. He continues his run after getting up off the turf and squares the ball to an unmarked Howells whose firm shot 15 yards takes a massive deflection of Kevin Sandwith. With everyone expecting the net to bulge, Grof pulls out a last-minute hand to turn the ball around the post. Good move, great save. 20 mins - Back come Mansfield but it's an award for Louis Briscoe who goes in our worst shot of the season, striking a shot well, well, well, well wide. 19 mins - More decent stuff from the Town and Freddie Murray who hit the post at Forest Green the other week, goes close to breaking his duck in Luton colours here as he lets fly with a fine first-time strike from the edge of the box after Barnes-Homer's cross from the right. Good work from Gnakpa also forged the chance. 16 mins - Over a quarter of an hour played and so far the Hatters look quite comfortable but it's pretty low key and neither defence has had an alarm as yet. 12 mins - Move of the match so far and it's from the Town. Keane sprays the ball out to the left to Murray who sends Howells ahead of him. Murray then continues his run past his marker and level with the 18-yard box he cuts the ball back to MBH who lays the ball off to strike partner Owusu who hits a first time shot way over the bar, under pressure from a clutch of defenders. 7 mins - Referee Evans has his booik out already as he has to caution Kyle Nix for a nasty tackle on Gnakpa. The Frenchman didn't like it either and is given a ticking off by the referee for his protests. 5 mins - Pretty low key first five minutes here but all of a sudden there's a sniff of danger as the hosts threaten down the right with former Town loanee Ashley Cain bursting past Freddie Murray but his cross is dealt with by the head of Pilkington. 2 mins - So the Town are lining-up as follows: Kevin Pilkington in goal, Luke Graham at right back, Freddie Murray at left-back, George Pilkington and Zdenek Kroca at centre-half, Alex Lawless and Keith Keane in the middle of the park, Claude Gnakpa on the right flank, Jake Howells on the left and up top is Lloyd Owusu and Matthew Barnes-Homer. 1 mins - The ball is booted out of the ground by Mansfield after just 16 seconds, hopefully not a sign of things to come. 1 min And we're off as refere Evans gets this first leg underway, 180 minutes of football starts now and it's Mansfield who get us underway, after having a little huddle. Enjoy the updates, COYH! 11:55 HERE THEY COME Out come the two sides, Mansfield in their traditional yellow and blue, the Town in their change navy blue shirts, white short and orange socks. 11:50 PRESS BOX PREDICTIONS Andrew Barringer: 2-1 Luton, Simon Pitts: 1-1, Ian Pearce 1-0 Luton, Mark Wood 1-1, Bill Cole: 1-1. 11:45 LIFE'S A PITCH The Field Mill pitch is one of the largest in the league and it looks okay with a few patches of stand midway through each half aside. 11:40 CARROT DANGLED Mansfield Chairman John Radford writes in his programme notes: "Incentives can sometime act as an additional mental push towards the finishing line, and this is why I have decided to take the whole squad to Las Vegas at the end of the season, should we lift the FA Trophy on 7th May." 11:32 THE TEAMS Hatters: K. Pilkington, Graham, G. Pilkington, Kroca, Murray, Howells, Keane, Lawless, Gnakpa, Barnes-Homer, Owusu. Subs: Tyler, Morgan-Smith, Asafu-Adjaye, Crow, Poku. Mansfield: Grof, Silk, Sandwith, Briscoe, Thompson, Nix, Naylor, Spence, Connor, Cain, Mitchley. Subs: Marriott, Foster, Smith, Stonehouse, Istead. 11:30 TWO CHANGES Kevin Pilkington and Luke Graham come in for the Town. Full team to follow. 11:20 NO TEAM NEWS YET The teams aren't with us yet but the Town personnel warming-up include all of the usual suspects, so to speak, so expect a strong side named. 11:00 OLD FRIENDS Gary Brabin, Kevin Pilkington and Adam Murray share a conversation in the centre circle as the first couple of players from each side begin their warm-up. 10:40 WEATHER WATCH We're inside a currently deserted Field Mill and it's grey and cold. Forecasts says it should brighten up later. 09:30 TROPHY TEST It's act one, scene one. The Town have got this far. Their run in the FA Trophy continues. A two-legged affair this afternoon the Hatters take on a team from the Blue Square Bet Premier for the first time in the competition. Welling, Uxbridge, Gloucester and Guiseley have all (eventually) been seen off and now just 180 minutes against the Stags stands in the Town's way from a trip to Wembley. And who exactly wouldn't want to visit FA HQ again? Gateshead or Darlington will be the opponents in the final under the arch in North London but while the Mansfield chairman is promising his players a holiday in Las Vegas should they lift the trophy the Town have more pressing matters of promotion to concentrate on. It's worth noting that should the Hatters have to settle for the Play-Off and reach the final of the FA Trophy then the Wembley show-piece will be squeezed in between two high-octane, nerve-jangling Play-Off semi-finals. As Richard Money told the press on Friday, it's well and truly a balancing act. Important league points to play for on Tuesday follow at Cambridge United before next Saturday's second leg at Kenilworth Road. Everyone will accept that the nerves of an Play-Off match won't match those of an FA Trophy one but the Hatters will want to show why the bookies have kept them favourites to win the competition since Crawley's exit way back in the first round. Indeed today represents the toughest test yet in the competition. Lying in 13th place they are officially the lowest ranked side left out of the quartet vying for a final spot, but out of the 24 sides in the division, nobody has played less games than the Stags. It's fair to say that the last meeting between the two sides was spiky to say the least and with a Wembley final at stake who's to say it won't be another adrenaline-filled 90 minutes? Well once more, as ever, win, lose or draw this aftenoon lutontown.co.uk will be following every step of the way. As usual we'll have all the goals and incidents as it happens live with the usual news in the run-up to kick-off with team line-ups and plenty of chat as your official website has, as ever, the usual updates keeping you bang up-to-date with all the action - and in a number of ways. There's none of those boring ball-by-ball "defensive thrown-in taken by Luton left-back" updates as we continue to and bring you an updated and detailed text commentary. This is a great way to keep in touch and has been popular to those supporters not able to get to a computer or a radio as the service is also available and is updated live on our fantastic mobile site. Check it out if you're on the move @ http://mobile.lutontown.co.uk On Hatters Player you all have access to our live commentary. Remember, Player is available as ever which means you all have access to our live commentary. If you haven't heard it yet then where you have been? It's still brought to you by Simon "Statto" Pitts but he's got company this time! The DiverseFM team have collaborated with BBC Three Counties radio and the Club to bring you the Luton Town Show. Following the final whistle we'll have all the reaction from the men that matter this after, bringing you exclusive video content from Richard Money and from the dressing room. We'll have plenty of content to keep you interested as we'll have all of the post-match reaction from Richard as well as match action from Gareth Owen to follow after the final whistle. Be sure to check out http://www.hatterspics.co.uk - our online image library. Like a picture you see and fancy having that on a mug? Well, fancy no more - with Hatters Pics it's a reality. Remember, we want you to get in touch. Join the updates and get in touch. Email andrew.barringer@lutontown.co.uk and we'll pick the best comments to go live on the site during our live updates -------------------------- Stags party as Hatters blows their chances dunstabletoday.co.uk FA Trophy, semi-final first leg Mansfield Town 1 (0) Luton Town 0 (0) A STRING of fine saves from Mansfield keeper David Grof frustrated Luton as the Stags stole the advantage in the first leg of this FA Trophy semi-final, writes Mark Wood. http://www.dunstabletoday.co.uk/sport/football/local-football/stage_party_as_hatters_blows_their_chances_1_2497839 The Hatters were the far more creative side but failed to take their chances and were made to pay when Danny Mitchley squeezed home the winner in this contest 17 minutes into the second half. Town huffed and puffed throughout, but couldn't quite find the net and face an uphill battle in their bid to return Wembley in the return leg at Kenilworth Road on Saturday. The Hatters made two changes from the side that eased to a 2-0 home win over Tamworth in the league on Tuesday night. Trophy first choice keeper and former Mansfield favourite Kevin Pilkington took over between the sticks from Mark Tyler, while Dan Gleeson (knee knock) was replaced at right-back by Luke Graham. Mansfield, meanwhile, were deprived of captain and former Hatter Adam Murray, who missed out as part of the terms that took him to field Mill earlier this season, for this Sunday noon kick off. The game started at a frenetic pace and it was no surprise when Kyle Nix was booked for a lunging tackle on Claude Gnakpa after just seven minutes. Luton finally crafted the first chance of the game with a beautiful flowing move on 12 minutes. Jake Howells and Freddie Murray combined brilliantly on the left and the latter's cross was teed up by Matthew Barnes-Homer but Lloyd Owusu could only balloon wastefully over. More good play from Gnakpa and Barnes-Homer saw the ball rolled to Murray on the edge of the box seven minutes later, but he could only blast well wide. At the other end Louis Briscoe dragged the wildest of free-kicks so far wide it threatened the corner flag. But it was Luton who were playing most of the football and they almost snatched the lead midway through the half. Gnakpa produced some magic on the left, nutmegging his man, before sliding Howells through but Kevin Sandwith's last-ditch challenge and a strong hand from on loan Notts County keeper Grof was just enough to turn the ball past the post. A combination of Murray and George Pilkington then timed their tackles brilliantly to deny Mitchley on 29 minutes as the Stags enjoyed their best patch of the game. Nix was then thwarted by the Luton captain before Paul Connor had a goal ruled out for offside. Mansfield continued to threaten with George Pilkington blocking Connor's blast on the edge of the box and a cross by former Luton loan man Ashley Cain being well snaffled by Kevin Pilkington. Town were hitting too many ineffective long balls but almost grabbed the lead two minutes before the break when Keith Keane whipped in a cross to the far post and Grof could only parry Owusu's powerful header, but unfortunately for Luton no-one was lurking to take advantage of the rebound as the sides went into the break goalless. The second half got off to a cagey opening with Howells miskicking a decent half chance on the edge of the box five minutes in. Howells threaded through a fine ball for Barnes-Homer on 54 minutes and he picked out Alex Lawless on the edge of the box but his first time effort was well beaten away by Grof. A knock to Owusu forced the Town target man off on seconds later and he was replaced by Danny Crow. The creative Lawless then burst through the middle just past the hour but his long-range drive was pushed round the post by Grof as Town started to turn the screw. Barnes-Homer just could connect with Lawless' centre with Tom Spence's defensive header only just clearing the bar. Another Lawless cross was won at the far post by George Pilkington but his header back across goal clipped the bar on it's way over. And true to form Luton were caught with the sucker punch second later as Mansfield took a 62nd-minute lead. Mitchley did well to fend off the attentions of George Pilkington and span well before somehow squeezing home a shot in of the far post. Crow was just crowded out on 66 minutes as Luton looked for an equaliser, while the fleet-footed Briscoe whisked a cross-shot across the face of goal four minutes later. Good defending by Graham then kept Mitchley out before Luton were denied by another good stop from Grof. A fluid move eventually saw Howells dink in a lovely first-time cross but Crow's header was straight at the Mansfield stopper who was again able to bat the ball away. Morgan-Smith almost got in behind with three minutes left but was again thwarted by Grof before Crow also stole in but his effort was smuggled behind with appeals for handball waved away. Substitute Godfrey Poku had an overly ambitious strike whizz over as five minutes of injury time were played. Barnes-Homer had a howitzer deflected behind but Town couldn't find a way through as they handed the initiative to the Stags. Stags: David Grof, Gary Silk, Kevin Sandwith, Louis Briscoe (Steven Istead 85), Tyrone Thompson (C), Kyle Nix, Tom Naylor, Dan Spence, Paul Connor, Ashley Cain (Adam Smith 75), Danny Mitchley. Substitutes not used: Alan Marriott, Steve Foster, Paul Stonehouse. Hatters: Kevin Pilkington, Freddie Murray (Godfrey Poku 75), Keith Keane, Luke Graham, George Pilkington, Matthew Barnes-Homer, Zdenek Kroca, Alex Lawless, Jake Howells, Claude Gnakpa (Amari Morgan-Smith 69), Lloyd Owusu (Danny Crow 55). Substitutes not used: Mark Tyler, Ed Asafu-Adjaye. Bookings: Nix 7. Referee: Karl Evans. Assistant referees: Steven Plan and Matthew Pope. Fourth official: Stephen Ross. Attendance: 3,208 (Luton 422). Star Hatter: Alex Lawless. Town's most creative force in a game they should have won ------------------------ |
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