Saturday 3rd October 2009 -- BSP
This was always going to be a difficult game - Forest Green have improved recently and had recorded two consecutive wins. Add to that the really difficult playing conditions and this game was a good one for the Stags to sneak a scrappy one-nonner......
Kev forgot his camera, but not to worry, he had the presence of mind to capture Rob Duffy netting the games only goal from the penalty spot in the fourth minute.
After our previous visits to Field Mill wearing just a tee-shirt or similar, this was a day for wearing a big coat, and neither myself or Kev were in a big coat!! Consequently we were both frozen by the end of the game....
This was always going to be a difficult game - Forest Green have improved recently and had recorded two consecutive wins. Add to that the really difficult playing conditions and this game was a good one for the Stags to sneak a scrappy one-nonner......
Kev forgot his camera, but not to worry, he had the presence of mind to capture Rob Duffy netting the games only goal from the penalty spot in the fourth minute.
After our previous visits to Field Mill wearing just a tee-shirt or similar, this was a day for wearing a big coat, and neither myself or Kev were in a big coat!! Consequently we were both frozen by the end of the game....
Entering the car park we had a chat to Stags fanatic Craig Priest - this young man writes a blog for the Chad, writes reports for stagsnet.net, hosts a Stags facebook page and also takes time pre-game to help man the car-park. Craig also co-commentated on the mid week game at Barrow for Mansfield Radio. Dedicated young man, and hopefully the Stags' admin folk will snap him up sometime in the near future.
The game itself was fairly predictable. Mansfield creating all the chances with the wind first half, and Rovers creating them all with the wind in the second.
The only goal of the game was scored by ROB DUFFY. He lost the ball to his marker then as he won it back he was challlenged and he collapsed onto his knees like Willem Defoe in Platoon. The Referee immediately pointed to the spot and Duffy stepped up and calmly slotted past Burton in the Rovers goal. Bit of a soft penalty, but gratefully accepted!
The Stags' best move of the half saw Ryan Williams find Daryl Clare, who in turn found Duffy, who laid the ball into the path of Blair Sturrock - he lashed the ball goalwards forcing Burton to tip over for a corner. Sturrock was getting a bit of stick from some of the home fans, but we were both of the opinion that he was playing well, although he could have done with a little more support. Gary Silk tried to back Sturrock up whenever he could, but the Scot needed more help from the central midfield duo of Gary Mills and Kyle Nix. H-T 1-0
The half was spoiled by the wind, but what upset Kev more that the game being poor was the out-pourings of inane, mindless commentary we were forced to endure from a "supporter" seated directly behind us. I use the term "supporter" loosely - there was no support at all from this party - just needless negative comments on every ball kicked and every decision that went against the Stags....... fair drives you mad! Kev later had a right rant on facebook, but felt much better afterwards....
The second half saw Rovers pour forward looking for the equaliser and Stags keeper Alan Marriott twice made superb saves - once palming over from a 25 yard fierce drive, then diving to clear another long range effort. Although Rovers had most of the possession in the second half, the home defence kept them at bay and the game ended 1-0 to the Stags.
Not pretty, but a result that takes Mansfield up to 4th place in the table.
Strange, but the fixtures mean we will not be going to Field Mill again until 31st October.......
MOM went to Gary Silk.
Tuesday -- off to Forest Town to see them take on Kirkby Town ....
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