Archived News from December 2015
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MURRAY, LAMBE, MARTIN ALLEN REACTION
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Professional performance in difficult conditions - Murray
by Nick Lough, mansfieldtown.net, 28th November 2015 Mansfield Town boss Adam Murray believes his side’s 3-1 victory over Barnet this afternoon was ‘utterly professional’. The Stags produced an assured display to win 3-1 against Barnet at the Hive Stadium, with Reggie Lambe and Matt Green both on target combined with a late own-goal by Bees’ defender Elliot Johnson. Speaking post-match, Murray said his players dealt with the difficult conditions superbly as they emerged from the Sky Bet League Two fixture with all three points. “I thought it was an utterly professional performance. From your position and the public’s in the stands, you don’t realise how strong the wind was today. Read more at http://www.mansfieldtown.net/news/article/murray-post-barnet-2824186.aspx#STxeMMqcCiPyPCM6.99 “We had it first half and we had it against us in the second. You could see that in the second half we couldn’t get the ball out at times as it was blowing back in, so credit to the boys today. “I think some of our play at times was superb, especially in the first-half and we knew today we needed to get our passing sequence as much as we could over six [passes]. “Credit to the lads today, they bounced back from Tuesday night and we achieved what we set out to do which is get three points and be in seventh spot before the mini-break.” Murray stated that he has learned a lot from the mistakes his team made against Exeter City in midweek and paid credit to his players for reacting in the way they did. “I won’t lie to you, I got in touch with Paul Tisdale on Wednesday and congratulated him for inspiring me after our loss in midweek,” said Murray. “It was a defeat I took a lot from; it was the first time as a manager I felt like I’d been beaten. That loss against me personally meant a lot, and I think the boys took on the work we had done this week and I think today you’ve seen the real Mansfield Town as we dominated the majority of it (the match).” With three big talking points in the match regarding both the red cards shown to Barnet’s Josh Clarke and Stags’ midfielder Chris Clements, along with the penalty decision in favour of the hosts, Murray believes the referee got it spot on with all three calls. “Going off what I saw live I think the referee probably got them all correct,” he said. “I think the wind caused a problem for the through ball and we didn’t judge it right, it’s gone through and Brian [Jensen] did what he could but the lad has played for it and fair play to him. “Chris has reacted to being fouled before-hand and tried to close down. When you’re on a booking you have to be really careful and the referee was there on the spot to give it.” With the Stags without a competitive match for two weeks, Murray is planning to set up a practice match for some of his fringe players next weekend as they look to keep active while some of their rivals compete in the Emirates FA Cup. Murray continued: “We are going to use it as a multi-functional period to give the lads a physical and psychological rest. “I think the cups have been a hindrance for us this season because of this small squad, and being out of it now gives us the chance to recuperate. “We will probably have a behind closed doors game towards the end of next week and get minutes into people’s legs and be fully prepared for a tough game against Leyton Orient.” You can view Murray's interview, in full, on Stags Player. ------------------ Mansfield Town boss Adam Murray always confident his side would bounce back at Barnet by Sports Reporter, chad.co.uk, Saturday 28 November 2015 Despite the worst display under his year-long tenure as manager in midweek, Mansfield Town boss Adam Murray said he was always confident in his side’s ability to bounce back in today’s 3-1 win at Barnet to go back into the top seven. Stags had been well beaten 2-0 at home by Exeter on Tuesday but roared back to form in the wind at The Hive this afternoon?“That was satisfying,” he smiled. “Even though we lost on Tuesday I came into this game with confidence. “People won’t want to hear my reasons - when you’ve lost a game reasons become excuses. I was angry after Tuesday. But when I dug deeper and looked into it there were a lot of reasons why we got the performance we did on Tuesday. Read more: http://www.chad.co.uk/sport/mansfield-town/mansfield-town-news/mansfield-town-boss-adam-murray-always-confident-his-side-would-bounce-back-at-barnet-1-7596977#ixzz3srxGoM00 “It happens in football. But I knew that before that against Hartlepool we were superb. In this last period we’ve had the FA Cup games against higher opposition, we’ve gone down to nine men, we’ve played a Wycombe team we realistically should have scored six against. “People look at the outside and go - it’s a bit shaky. We look on the inside and go we’ve not been bad at all, so we came into it with confidence. “We had a game plan and we knew that once we got out game going and our process right, we’d cause them problems today - and we did.” Mansfield had the advantage of the wind at their backs in the first half at Barnet. “We knew that would be the case, so it was important we had he luck of the draw and won the toss at the start of the game as we knew we wanted the wind first half,” he said. “We got that and we dictated play first half with our passing and possession, created chances and should have probably had another two or three goals. “We didn’t and we knew going into the second half that may cause us a few problems, but then we showed the gritty side to us and defended well. “Then we caught them on the break and scored two good goals. “When you’ve got players like Jamie McGuire and Chris Beardsley you can reply upon to come on. I think Chris broke his nose after a minute and Jamie got a cut on his eye, when you’ve soldiers like that you can put on in the heat of battle, what a difference that makes.” After fans began to doubt his ability to score on a regular basis this season, Matt Green took his tally to seven this afternoon and Murray said: “That was probably the wobbly head brigade speaking again as I think if you look at the second top scorer in our division, they’ve got about nine before today. It’s nothing Greeny can’t catch. “He’s not played for two years and his instincts as a goalscorer take time.” As Stags went back into the play-off spots, Murray admitted managing expectation was still a tough job. He said: “I am not surprised as it happens with me, the staff and the players. The more you have the more you want. “I keep saying what we have to have this season is perspective. I will get the football club to where it can go.” ----------------- Lambe ‘buzzing’ as Stags return to top seven mansfieldtown.net, 28th November 2015 Mansfield Town winger Reggie Lambe was delighted with the Stags’ efforts during their 3-1 victory over Barnet this afternoon. Goals from Lambe, Matt Green and an Elliott Johnson own goal wrapped up the points for the Stags after John Akinde’s second-half penalty had given the Bees hope. After losing to Exeter in midweek, Lambe said the Stags put their ‘heart and soul’ into the victory at The Hive Stadium this afternoon. “We put our heart and soul into that game. As a team, we stuck to it and got the three points. Read more at http://www.mansfieldtown.net/news/article/lambe-buzzing-as-stags-return-to-top-seven-2824954.aspx#A3AEgrt8zOgMLxKS.99 “I think our centre-backs dealt with their threat very well. The wind here was a massive downfall, I’d say, for our game. You couldn’t really judge the ball for headers but I think our back line did the job and got us the three points. “To get the win and get back in the top seven is massive for us. Everyone’s just buzzing right now to get back into the top seven.” The Bermudan scored his second goal of the season to open the scoring against the Bees and he’s hoping today’s strike will act as a catalyst in the scoring stakes. “I just popped up in the box. Clem (Chris Clements) nodded it on to me and I was quick to get to it and just made sure I hit the target,” Lambe said about his opener. “I set myself a target of twelve goals at the start of the season. It’s a bit far-fetched but I got five last season and that was basically half the season, so I think I can pop up with a few more and some assists as well.” Although the winger would like to score more goals for the Stags, Lambe’s main aim is to hold down a regular place in the side this season. “This year is all about keeping my shirt. I have chats with the gaffer here and there where he lets me know what I need to improve on. But for me, it’s just going out on the pitch and keep performing.” You will be able to view Lambe’s interview on Stags Player later. -------------------- Mansfield Town star Reggie Lambe looking forward to a weekend off by Sports Reporter, chad.co.uk, Saturday 28 November 2015 Mansfield Town goalscorer Reggie Lambe said he was looking forward to a weekend off next week as League Two football on top of summer international duty begins to catch up with him. Lambe put Stags on their way to a 3-1 win at Barnet yesterday as they immediately hit back from Tuesday’s poor display in a home defeat by Exeter. Now they have no game until the visit of Leyton Orient on December 12 following their FA Cup first round exit. “I got a bit of cramp towards the end of the game but I had to push through it as we’d made all our subs,” said Lambe. Read more: http://www.chad.co.uk/sport/mansfield-town/mansfield-town-news/mansfield-town-star-reggie-lambe-looking-forward-to-a-weekend-off-1-7596992#ixzz3srsIVTV8 “I felt that on Tuesday we didn’t perform to our best. Most of us had an off game. Today was all about reaction and getting back on track, going into next week when we don’t have a game. “We need a little break, especially me with having internationals over the summer when I didn’t really get a break, so I am just going to relax and chill at home this weekend and come back refreshed.” He added: “The first goal was a massive boost for the whole team and for yourself as the scorer. “The first half became a bit too easy for us at that point, then with the wind going against us second half really hurt us a bit. “But two more goals and a decent lead was something for us to hold onto, and we did that well. “It was tough, but everyone played well today. “It was unfortunate for Clem (Chris Clements) getting the sending-off and that set us back for a bit, but we pushed on and managed to get the three points.” ------------------- Barnet manager Martin Allen told BBC Radio London: http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/34887357 "After having such a good run it's been a disappointing couple of weeks after playing so well, playing with so much spirit, self-belief and tenacity. "In the games that we've won we've been high energy, tenacious and played with real passion. "Today we were just okay. "I was really pleased with Nicky Bailey's contribution. He has got a huge desire to win and he will help me get the others into shape." ----------------- Martin Allen felt Barnet were lacking energy, tenacity and passion as they made it four games without a win against Mansfield Town Barnet Times Martin Allen felt Barnet were lacking energy, tenacity and passion in today’s 3-1 defeat by Mansfield Town and stressed the Bees must rediscover the qualities which won them the Conference last season. Defeat against the Stags at The Hive made it four League Two matches without victory, a stark contrast to the five-game unbeaten run which preceded this slump. http://www.times-series.co.uk/sport/barnet_fc/14110597.Allen_says_energy__tenacity_and_passion_missing_as_Bees_slump_to_Mansfield_loss/? Barnet were second best in the first half and fell behind to Reggie Lambe’s volley. Brentford loanee Josh Clarke was then sent off for a second yellow card before half time to worsen matters. Matt Green added a second for the visitors after 59 minutes before John Akinde halved the deficit with 12 minutes remaining. Referee Trevor Kettle levelled things up by sending off Mansfield’s Chris Clements but a late Michael Nelson own goal helped the Stags over the line as Barnet pushed for an equaliser. Speaking afterwards, Allen said: “Mansfield lost 2-0 at home in the week and their manager (Adam Murray) said after the game they lacked desire. “With any manager at any team you’ve got to have that within your group. Today I thought it was just ok. “In the games we’ve won we’ve been high energy, tenacious, played with real passion. You couldn’t say the same about the Luton Town and Notts County games. The games have been very similar. We’ve just done ok. “It was ok. It was ok. I thought it was ok. It was just about ok really. We can play better than that. After such a good run it’s been a disappointing couple of weeks. After playing so well and with so much spirt, self-belief and tenacity.” Discussing what had gone wrong further, Allen added: “Everybody has to be on their game. We’re not a brilliant, silky soccer Brazilian team. We’re hard working and everybody has to do their job within our team. “That’s how we won a championship last year and at the moment we’re just lacking in a couple of areas and it’s costing us dear. “Saying that, we had chances in the second half where their goalkeeper has pulled off a couple of world class saves.” Goalscorer Akinde started on the bench for the second match in succession after Allen revealed he was suffering from a tight hamstring after Tuesday’s 4-2 defeat at Notts County. He was introduced before the hour today and was a rare bright spot on a dismal afternoon for Barnet. “He didn’t train on Friday so he’s been rested,” explained Allen. “John has been fantastic for Barnet since I got here. “He’s been a fantastic signing and I think he probably needed a break and a rest. There’s no doubt he’ll be playing next Saturday. “He came on today and he looked much stronger, quicker and more energetic. And that has been lacking recently.” Asked for his view on Clarke’s red card, the Bees head coach replied: “I thought the referee got it right.” And Allen wouldn’t be drawn into discussing the controversial moment of the first half when former Barnet loanee Krystian Pearce appeared to handle the ball in his own penalty area. Less than a minute later Lambe gave the Stags the lead but Allen was quick to deflect attention from the decision. He said: “He’s a very good referee and we have to accept his decision. Earlier in the season I criticised referees for some of their decisions which I’m disappointed in myself about. “I think it’s probably best I don’t say anything about what he saw or didn’t give.” He continued: “It’s frustrating for the players but I think, like myself, they all know we’ve got to do better. “We’ve got promoted up to this league and we knew there would be some tough times and now you can’t turn your back on it. “You’ve got to face up to it, deal with it, play through it, manage through it and I’ve got to help the players through it.” ------------------ Martin Allen: “We’ve got to do better” barnetfc.com, 28th November 2015 The Bees manager reflects on this afternoon’s loss at The Hive. Barnet manager Martin Allen has revealed his disappointment with the Bees performance, in the 3-1 defeat against Mansfield Town. Looking back on the game, Martin said: Read more at http://www.barnetfc.com/news/article/martin-allen-weve-got-to-do-better-2824945.aspx#ghFIJ6B5eus5T4sA.99 “The performance was ok, but just about ok really - we can play better than that. “After having such a good run it’s been a disappointing couple of weeks. “We were playing so well, with so much spirit, self-belief and tenacity. “Mansfield lost 2-0 at home during the week, and their manager said after the game how they lacked that desire. “For any manager and any team, you need to have that in your group. “Today I thought it was just ok - in the games that we’ve won we’ve been tenacious and fought with real passion. “But we can probably put this match into the same category as the Luton and Notts County matches - I think the games have been very similar. “In every game we play, every player has to be on their game. “We’re not a ‘silky soccer Brazilian team’, we’re hard working and everyone has to do their job within our team. “That’s how we won a championship last year, and at the moment we’re just lacking in a couple of little areas and it’s costing us dear. “Saying that, we had the chances in the second half - their goalkeeper pulled off a couple of world class saves - to get something with ten men. “But it’s still a disappointment, that’s for sure. “It’s frustrating for the players. “But I think that they, like myself, know that we’ve got to do better. “We got promoted up to this league, we knew there would be some tough weeks and tough times, and now you can’t turn your back - you’ve got to face it and deal with it.” Explaining John Akinde’s absence from the starting line-up, Martin said: “John Akinde’s hamstring has been a bit tight, so he’s been rested really. “He’s been fantastic for Barnet Football Club since I’ve been here and he’s been a great signing. “I think he probably needed a little break and a rest, but there’s no doubt that he’ll be playing next Saturday, that’s for sure. “When he came on today I thought he looked much stronger, had more pace, and more energy about his game - that’s been lacking recently.” The Bees manager was also pleased with Nicky Bailey’s performance, in his first start since returning to the club: “I thought Nicky Bailey did really well - it’s good to have him back in,” he said. “It’s been difficult for Nicky because he hasn’t had enough games, but he’s been training really hard. “He brings experience, knowledge and knowhow. “I was really pleased with his contribution, from where he is fitness-wise. “He’s a good player to have in the group - he’s got self-belief, confidence and a huge desire to win.” ---------------- Barnet head coach Martin Allen says the Bees can draw inspiration from Morecambe and Mansfield Town, both of whom have established themselves in the Football League following promotion Barnet Times, Reported by Tom Bodell Martin Allen believes Mansfield Town and Morecambe are clubs which Barnet should aim to replicate as they look to avoid becoming a yo-yo club. The Bees needed late rescue acts for three consecutive seasons before they were finally relegated out of the Football League in 2013 under Edgar Davids. Mansfield, who won 3-1 at The Hive on Saturday as Josh Clarke was sent off for the Bees, are in their third season back in the Football League whilst Morecambe have established themselves in League Two since winning promotion via the Conference play-offs in 2007. “Without being a killjoy and without being Nobby Negative, I think solidity is what we’re looking for,” said Allen. http://m.times-series.co.uk/sport/14114972.Allen_says_Bees_can_draw_inspiration_from_Morecambe_and_Mansfield/ “It’s a great challenge and it’s one I really enjoy. We are playing against good clubs and it’s going to take a little bit of time to put it all back together. “The aim is to secure our place in the Football League. We’ve been a yo-yo club for years going up and down. We’ve got to get this place firmly established in the Football League then it will be my job to improve the team and then I’d say Mansfield and Morecambe have been role models for where we need to be moving.” The Bees conceded seven goals in two games with defeats at Notts County and against the Stags last week but whilst Allen is concerned by that statistic, he expected tough times following promotion. He said: “It's definitely a concern. I was saying a couple of weeks ago even though the game against Morecambe wasn’t great, we picked up a point and kept a clean sheet. “I think we had a couple of clean sheets - without being spectacular - that we were all pleased about. We need to get back to that,” added Allen. “These footballers are all a bit sensitive and they’ve all been used to winning for the last year to win the Conference. “We’ve brought some new ones in and the step-up hasn’t been easy so there are going to be times like this. We’ve got to work out way through it. The bottom line is, at any level, you’ve got to be difficult to beat. The other part comes afterwards. “At the moment I don’t think we’re quite as competitive as we have been in the past.” Barnet will look to halt their slump on Saturday when they host League Two rivals Newport County in the FA Cup second round. ----------------- Brian Jensen @jensen_com 1/2 @mansfieldtownfc Buzzing with the 3 points today Professional performance from the boys in front of me #toughtest #hardwork 2/2 Sorry about the pen With my experience I should've known he was looking for it Great support yet again @mansfieldtownfc #stags JAMIE MCGUIRE @JAMIEMCGUIRE23 Just charge that knee up you get out quicker next time to the ball Brian Jensen @jensen_com Haha damn right Jamma JAMIE MCGUIRE @JAMIEMCGUIRE23 Great result at Barnet boys dug deep @mansfieldtownfc ! And well done to me good friend @vardy7 #11 record breaker proving people wrong ------------------ |
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