Mansfield Town 3-0 Ebbsfleet United

Saturday 22nd August 2009 -- Blue Square Premier

Another win for the yellows, but as on Tuesday night, they faced a real battle from a big, strong, talented side. Ebbsfleet United (formerly Gravesend and Northfleet FC ) were completely unknown to me and Kev, but we knew the Kent outfit had had a poor start to the season, drawing two and losing two of their four games.

The teams took to the pitch to a great ovation - over 3200 in attendance at Field Mill again... 50 odd made the journey from Kent, but on their teams current form you couldn't really expect many more..

The visitors attacked straight from the start, causing a few worries in the home defence. Tricky left winger Ishmael Welsh was linking up well with his left-back Jordan Collins, and they had the measure of Stags right back Gary Silk all throughout most of the game.

Brazillian Magno Vieira had Fleets best chance of the 1st half on 25, latching onto a long punt forward by keeper Lance Cronin, before curling a beauty just wide of the post. A great effort that had Stags keeper Marriott beaten all ends up ... and can you guess what happened next? Yep... Stags went ahead!!

A well worked goal that started with Marriott's long clearance finding Williams who in turn fed Armstrong. The left-back hit the ball first time picking out ROB DUFFY at the far post - the striker remained calm and took his time before drilling the ball across Cronin and into the back of the net.

Cue more dancing ........

H-T 1-0

A couple of weeks ago I was informed by a steward that I couldn't use my camera inside Field Mill. I queried this with MTFC and was told the official policy was no cameras. I have absolutely no problem with this, but I do have to mention the concern shown by the Stags security company ProTouch in the person of Mr. Peter Thompson. For him to follow up and take the time to make personal contact with me is nothing short of brilliant. Peter also took time to say hello at half-time even though he was a very busy man.

My son worked as a Security guard recently and often related to me the abuse he took at times - "get a proper job" etc....so I have a bit of insight to the terrific work that security firms like ProTouch do. We would be in a right old mess without them. Thanks, Pete.

LOUIS BRISCOE has struggled recently, but when he found himself one-on-one with Cronin in the 52nd minute he composed himself really well before driving the ball under the keepers body.

The third Stags goal came on 67, and it was a bit special. Jake Speight had replaced Briscoe and made a solo run at the Fleet defence. Although he lost the ball on the edge of the box, his determination saw him win the ball back. He then played the ball in the box to Kyle Perry who smashed it goalwards. Cronin did well to palm the shot away, but could only look on in dismay as it looped to SPEIGHT who somehow managed to head the ball into the net while diving backwards..... great goal from a player who Mansfield may struggle to hold onto.

F-T 3-0

A brisk walk round the pond to the Odeon carpark and a trouble free drive home.

Next -- we're off to the New Manor Ground to see Worksop take on Buxton in the UniBond Premier division.