There will be match reports galore about this game, and I will add links at the foot of this entry - but I have to say - WHAT A GAME!!!
Oxford United, as far as Kev is concerned, will be Champions, but they were given a reminder tonight that nothing is won in September. It has to be said though that Oxford were superb and they were unlucky to go away from Field Mill pointless.
The three points, however, stay with the home team who rode their luck at times but defended brilliantly for the last 15 minutes or so when United threw everything at them. Adam Murray was the main man for Oxford - he controlled the centre of the park and brought back memories of when he was at Field Mill a few years ago - great player.
Stags started out firing on all six, and when RYAN WILLIAMS lobbed Ryan Clarke on 21 after great work by Jake Speight, we were up and dancing ...and just a few minutes after we had settled down again, JAKE SPEIGHT lashed a firece drive into the roof of the U's net....up again......
In the 44th minute Stags keeper Alan Marriott could only stand and watch as Jamie Cook hammered an effort off the bar... from where we were sat it looked a goal all the way....phew !! H-T 2-0
No luck with the 50/50 draw again.... always seem to out by 100's somehow..maybe one day eh?
The teams came out and although the Stags did their best to stem the flow, United powered forward at every opportunity and you could sense it was only a matter of time before they scored. It took until the 74th minute though - JAMIE CONSTABLE controlling Murray's ball into the box before firing past Marriott.
Alamo time ....... and although the U's came close on so many occasions, the Stags held on for a priceless win - leaving them 7th in the table, 9 points behind leaders Oxford. Even louder phew !!!!! F-T 2-1
On the way across the car-park, we noticed the DTD emblazoned Mercedes of Eastwood Town Manager Paul Cox. Having been away from Coronation Park for a couple of seasons, I was really surprised and pleased that Paul took the time to wind down his window and have a bit of a chat. Nice one, Paul.
Co-pilot was Assistant Boss John "Rammers" Ramshaw.... when he said he was looking forward to reading my blog, I mentioned that I hadn't taken any notes -- he said I'd find something to write about........little did he know some of it would be about him!!!! Also must mention that Paul stopping and having a chat meant he got stuck for while as the West Stand emptied - straight past the car park exit......oops!
Maybe, when Mansfield are promoted at the end of the season, Eastwood will take their place in the BSP. The Badgers are joint top of the BSN and with plenty of backing from Chairman Rob Yong, who knows? Anyway, nice to see Paul and John again.
Attendance 3933 ( 637)
Best Stag Ryan Williams, but Gary Silk was on top form, as was Luke Graham .......
Saturday -- back at the Mill ... Stags v Hayes & Yeading
For a bloke who made no notes - well done again memory man!!!
ReplyDeleteAs Malc said - what a great game to watch. Stags battered Oxford in the first half then a role reversal as Mansfield tried to shut up shop 2nd half.
Many good performances - from both teams, both lots of fans and on the whole - the officials who let it run really well.
I've not seen a better team than Oxford this season - so they get my vote already for the league.
Stags for the play offs? Why not after this performance.