{ the news }
 
An independent supporters' website dedicated to Mansfield Town FC
Archived News from November 2012

STAGS DRAW AT NUNEATON
9th November 2012 23:04


Blue Square Bet Premier
Nuneaton Town 1 - 1 Mansfield Town
Taylor 50. Wright 59
Attendance: 838 (180 from Mansfield)

Date: 6 November 2012

------------

Nuneaton Town 1-1 Mansfield Town, Tuesday 6th November
chad.co.uk report By John Lomas

NICK Wright's first goal for Mansfield Town rescued a point against BSBP bottom side Nuneaton Town at Liberty Way last night.

http://www.chad.co.uk/sport/football/mansfield-town-fc/nuneaton-town-1-1-mansfield-town-tuesday-6th-november-1-5098862?utm_medium=twitter&utm_source=twitterfeed

The Stags, who have still not won away since 18th August and have only picked up five away points from a possible 24, dominated most of the game but went behind on 50 minutes to a pearler from Connor Taylor.

At that stage it was a goal against the run of play and left Stags facing an embarrassing defeat away to a side that had only won twice all season.

But Paul Cox's men were only in arrears for nine minutes as Wright poked home a Louis Briscoe cross.

Lindon Meikle and Junior Daniel both struck the home woodwork, but the BSBP new boys held on for a share of the spoils with Stags now only having won three times in nine games and still in desperate need of that elusive away victory, despite a dominant performance.


Before the game manager Paul Cox said Jake Speight, available again after a one-game ban, has had an injection in a knee injury and was rested with an eye on the weekend visit of Southport.

With no deal yet reached on extending Liam Mitchell's loan from Notts County, Shane Redmond continued in goal.

Cox also revealed before the game that midfielder Solomon Taiwo, who had signed a one month deal with Stags, has now been released after just one start


OUT-of-form striker Matt Green was left out of the Mansfield Town line-up for tonight's away BSBP match at bottom side Nuneaton Town.

In the only change from the side held 0-0 by Slough Town in the FA Cup at the weekend, Nick Wright was given his second start since joining in the summer in a 4-4-1-1 formation.

Green does have a slight ankle knock, but manager Paul Cox said Wright was also deserving of his start with Green's recent goal drought


Meikle's low near post cross forced a fifth minute corner for the visitors which was poorly taken by Clements and easily cleared.

On 11 minutes Hutchinson found Clements to his right who checked inside a defender before curling a decent effort which deflected wide of the angle.

That won a corner from which Stags built a decent spell of pressure, ending with keeper McNamara blocking a header from Hutchinson from Dempster's ball in and then grabbing the loose ball before Wright could put away the rebound.

Stags continued their lively start with a good run from Meikle on the left which saw him drag a finish wide of the near post.

Another swift Stags move saw Meikle and Wright play quick passes to offer Briscoe a shooting chance which was blocked.

Nuneaton won a corner on 16 minutes, but the threat was snuffed out due to pushing.

The home sisde broke well from more Stags pressure with Dempster sliding in to concede the corner before a low ball in could reach Brown, who was coming in behind him.

On 23 minutes Meikle hit the bar for the second time in as many games as Wright rolled a square ball to him from the left and , from the edge of the box, Meikle's rising right-footed blast hit the bar and sailed over.

There was more work for McNamara four minutes later. But Hutchinson's low 25 piledriver was always straight at the keeper.

A good ball wide from Hutchinson sent Meikle to the left by-line and he picked out Hutchinson with his cross. But the header lacked power and direction and was again easy for McNamara to deal with as the half ended goalless.

The wind behind Mansfield's backs had grown stronger as the first half wore on and the lack of distance on Redmond's first kick upfield showed how strong it still was, but now in Nuneaton's favour.

And the home side stole an unlikely 50th minute lead. Sutton failed to cut out a ball from midfield out to Taylor on the left. Coming inside, Taylor then picked his spot with a superb curling right-footed finish which beat Redmond's fingertips and found the net off the inside of the post.

Sleath headed straight at Redmond soon after but an offside flag was raised.

Geohaghon nodded down the visitors' first corner of the second half, but Nuneaton quickly cleared their lines.

That won another long throw opportunity for Geohaghon which saw cleared to Briscoe whose hurried first time shot was high and wide.

A goalkick from McNamara almost put in Brown but, with the wind behind it, sailed straight through for a goalkick, again underlining the conditions Stags were now up against.

However, on 59 minutes Wright marked his rare start with his first goal for the club.

Briscoe curled in a tempting waist-high cross from the right away from goal and Wright stole a march on the home defence to stretch out his right leg and stab the ball past McNamara from six yards.

Briscoe came so close to edging Mansfield ahead on 66 minutes.

Clements' corner was cleared back to him on the right by-line. With two defenders chasing him down, Clements shaped to put the ball back across but, instead, rolled it back towards Briscoe 15 yards from goal and he rifled the ball across goal but just wide of the far post.

More Mansfield pressure saw Geohaghon play a return pass to Beevers who, 20 yards from goal, should have shot but tried to slip Wright into space and the ball was cleared.

The solid Dempster won the ball well and tried to get Meikle in, the keeper there first as the visitors plugged away gamely in their search for a winner.

Walker forced Redmond down to his right to gather a low shot from distance which was never going to beat him from there.

Forsdick was much closer 10 minutes from time as a loose throw from Geohaghon was picked up by the home side and Forsdick fired a good effort just wide of the far post with the keeper beaten.

Daniel replaced Briscoe on 85 minutes and, with his first touch seconds later, unleashed a superb 22-yard shot that McNamara did well to turn onto the top of his bar and over.

Green took over from Wright for the last three minutes.

In stoppage time Dempster sent a close range header straight at McNamara from Hutchinson's cross which proved to be the final chance.

---------------
Stags battle for point at struggling Nuneaton
Nottingham Post report

INJURY and finding himself out of favour meant Nick Wright had to wait for his moment in the spotlight.

http://www.thisisnottingham.co.uk/story-17255943-detail/story.html

And last night it came, the striker bagging his first goal on only his second start for Mansfield, since joining from Kidderminster in the summer.

But despite doing his job after having the faith placed in him as last season's 30-goal top-scorer Matt Green was dropped to the bench, it still wasn't enough to earn victory against bottom side Nuneaton.

Following this 1-1 draw, the question Wright, his team-mates and manager Paul Cox will be asking themselves is how didn't they come away with all three points?

The hosts never threatened in the first period, as Stags dominated proceedings, only to fall behind five minutes after the interval with Nuneaton's only shot of purpose on target, Connor Taylor's well-taken effort.

Stags showed character to get level nine minutes later through Wright but despite further pressure, they just could not get themselves in front, meaning their miserable away run goes on in the league – now taking just five points from a possible 24, winning only one of eight.

Wright for Green was the only change from the side that drew with Slough in the FA Cup.

The one blow came with the news this season's goal threat with eight to his name, Jake Speight, was not involved following a cortisone injection in his knee, although he is expected to be fit for the visit of Southport on Saturday.

After a slow opening to the game, Ben Hutchinson cut in from the left, fed Chris Clements on the edge of the box and after he twisted away from his marker, he curled over.

It was to set the tone for the opening 45 minutes as Mansfield simply dominated possession against a Nuneaton side sat bottom of the table and without a win since the first week in September.

Hutchinson was to be the next threat as he met John Dempster's ball from the left with a downward header, which Ben McNamara palmed away and as Wright dived in for the rebound inside the six-yard box, the goalkeeper pounced to get their first.

And 15 minutes in Mansfield showed more attacking intent as Lindon Meikle sharply cut into the box from the left but pulled his low effort wide of the near post before he produced a similar run, this time teeing up Louis Briscoe on the right of the area but his low shot was blocked

The closest the Stags came to opening the scoring in the first half came midway through when neat work by Wright allowed him to find Meikle in space, 20 yards out, but with McNamara beaten, the winger's right-foot strike thundered against the bar and over before Hutchinson turned in a similar area only to drive his shot straight down McNamara's throat.

On the stroke of half-time Hutchinson sent Meikle racing down the left and raced towards the back post himself to meet the cross but rather than finish the fleeting move from eight yards out, he appeared to get caught in two minds as to whether to tee it across goal or shoot, resulting in the move coming to nothing.

The second half began with millionaire chairman John Radford moving from the directors' box and making his way to join the Stags fans behind the Nuneaton goal.

But after being on the back foot, Nuneaton took the lead five minutes after the interval as Taylor nipped in from the left and 20 yards out, curled a superb effort in off the far post – their first shot on target and any purpose – to stun the visitors.

Stags were level nine minutes later, however, as Briscoe was fed down the right, turned his man and whipped in a pinpoint cross for Wright to dive in behind the defence and turn the ball beyond McNamara.

Then after Clements' corner came back to him, he pulled it back from the byline for Briscoe who unleashed a 15-yard shot that curled just millimetres wide of the far upright as the Stags began to take control again.

There was a scare 11 minute from time, as Nuneaton's Simon Forsdick flashed a shot just wide from the right of the box, with Shane Redmond scrambling.

Stags' Colin Daniel came on with five minutes left and his first touch saw him dart down the left and shoot from 22 yards only to see his drive tipped onto the bar and over by McNamara, before Demspter was denied from point-blank range at the death.

Nuneaton: McNamara, Forsdick, James, Malaga, Cowan, Dean, Armson, Sleath, Walker, Brown, Taylor (York, 73). Subs: O'Halloran, Smith, Thompson-Brown, Gordon.

Mansfield: Redmond, Sutton, Geohaghon, Dempster, Beevers, Howell, Briscoe (Daniel, 85), Hutchinson, Wright (Green, 86), Meikle. Subs: Rhead, Murray, Thompson.

Referee: Wayne Barratt (Bromsgrove)

Attendance: 838 (180 away fans)

-----

Match Report: Nuneaton Town 1 Mansfield 1
By Derek Brown

Read More http://www.coventrytelegraph.net/coventry-warwickshire-sport/coventry-warwickshire-non-league-footbal/nuneaton-borough-fc/2012/11/07/match-report-nuneaton-town-1-mansfield-1-92746-32183329/#ixzz2BYoRe8VL

Boro picked up a hard-earned point at the Triton Arena last night but they remain rooted to the foot of the table as their winless league run stretched to nine games.

It was the eighth time this term Kevin Wilkin's men have shared the spoils with the latest one coming after on-loan striker Connor Taylor had netted his first goal for the club soon after the break only for the Stags to grab a deserved equaliser just before the hour mark.

Boro were forced into a couple of changes from the side that forced a fine 1-1 FA Cup draw at Luton with influential midfielder David McNamee and striker Tyrell Waite missing through injury. They were replaced by James Armson and Connor Taylor respectively.

The Stags looked brighter in the opening stages with winger Lindon Meikle posing the main threat, although it was an Anthony Howell header that forced home keeper Ben McNamara into a moment of concern but the Aussie saved confidently.

Midway through the half the visitors came close to taking the lead when Nick Wright got away down the left and pulled a pass back into the path of the lively Meikle and his rising 20-yarder clipped the top of the bar and flew into the Britannia Tyre Stand End terraces.

A dismal first period ended with Boro failing to have a solitary effort on the Mansfield goal as the visitors managed six attempts, three on target and three off in what was a forgettable opening 45 minutes.

The half-time pep talk from Wilkin and number two Mick Moore had an immediate effect, as Boro snatched the lead completely out of the blue on 50 minutes.

Taylor received possession in the inside left channel and stunned everyone with a superb curling 20-yarder that bent beyond Redmond and just inside the keeper's left-hand upright.

But the lead lasted just nine minutes with the Stags bouncing back with some panache. Louis Briscoe was the creator with a tasty near post cross that caught the home defence flat-footed as Wright raced in to find the net with a stretching glancing right-foot volley

Mansfield gathered momentum from the leveller and almost snatched the advantage on 65 minutes, Briscoe's angled drive swerving inches wide of the far post with McNamara helpless.

Briscoe was proving to be the ace on the Stags pack with some telling runs and crosses from the right, although from home breaks Adam Walker had Redmond diving low to his left to save at the base of a post while, Simon Forsdick's 25-yarder grazed the other upright seconds later.

Late on, McNamara superbly finger-tipped over Wright's venomous rising cross shot and skipper John Dempster headed weakly at the keeper deep into time added on as Boro held out for a fifth consecutive home league draw.

Boro: McNamara; Malaga, Dean, Cowan; James, Armson, Sleath, Walker, Forsdick; Taylor (York 74), Brown. Subs not used: Thomson-Brown, O'Halloran, Smith, Gordon.

Referee: Wayne Barratt (Worcestershire).

Att: 838 (180 away).

Match stats (Boro first): On target 3-5, Off target 1-6, Corners 3-7, Offsides 4-0, Free-kicks conceded 7-13, Yellow cards 0-0.

Boro Man of the Match: Danny Sleath

-------------------

Stags keep Boro win rut going
Nuneaton Town 1

Mansfield 1

by MATT DAVIES
http://www.nuneaton-news.co.uk/Sport/Nuneaton-Town-FC/Stags-keep-Boro-win-rut-going-06112012.htm

NUNEATON Town were denied a first win in 10 league games as Mansfield Town fought back to draw 1-1.

Boro took the lead with their first shot in the 50th minute as Connor Taylor curled in a quality strike from 20 yards.

They looked comfortable until the Stags equalised through Nick Wright eight minutes later.

Neither side could engineer another goal so it was yet another draw for Boro, who remain bottom of Blue Square Bet Premier despite a gritty performance against a team that was expected to challenge for the title.

Injury hit Boro were forced into two changes to the side which drew 1-1 at Luton Town on Saturday. As expected David McNamee was out with a calf strain so James Armson came into midfield.

Saturday's goal scorer Tyrell Waite was also unavailable due to a thigh strain so Walsall loanee Taylor started alongside Andy Brown in attack.

Ben McNamara kept his place in goal despite Adam Smith being available. The loan signing from Leicester City had to be content with a place on the bench.

As an entertainment spectacle the first half was dreadful to watch for long spells. Mansfield had the best of what action there was but it was 0-0 at the break.

Lindon Meikle was one of the few Stags players who didn't lump it long and he came closest after 23 minutes with a shot from the edge of the box that beat McNamara all ends up but cannoned off the bar to safety.

Boro failed to even register a shot on goal in the first half, although they looked lively when they passed the ball incisively, which was rare.

Nuneaton's first shot on goal was worth waiting for as Taylor scored a stunner in the 50th minute.

There looked little on when he ran onto a long ball with the wind at his back, but he got his head up and curled a brilliant strike into the far corner from 20 yards to give Boro the lead.

Out of nothing Mansfield levelled in the 58th minute when Louis Briscoe whipped in a top quality cross and Wright turned it in at the near post with a fine finish.

Mansfield had a great spell after that with the outstanding Briscoe at the heart of their best work. Boro recovered their poise though as first Adam Walker and then Simon Forsdick went close from distance.

The Stags threw Colin Daniel on with five minutes to go and he almost made the perfect impact with a rasping 25-yard drive that McNamara tipped onto the bar.

There was time for John Dempster to miss a free header from six yards at the death, but it finished all square.

GOALS: Boro – Taylor (50); Stags – Wright (58)

BORO (3-5-2): McNamara 8; Malaga 8, Dean (c) 8, Cowan 8; Forsdick 7, Sleath 6, Armson 6, Walker 7, James 6; Brown 6, Taylor (York 73) 6; Subs not used: O'Halloran, Smith, Thompson-Brown, Gordon

STAGS (4-4-2): Redmond; Sutton, Geohaghon, Dempster (c), Beevers; Briscoe (Daniel 85), Clements, Howell, Meikle; Hutchinson, Wright (Green 86); Subs not used: Murray, Thompson

REFEREE: Wayne Barratt 8

ATTENDANCE: 838 (180 away)

YELLOW: None

RED: None

BORO STAR MAN: Kevin Malaga

-----------------

 

Latest | November 2012