Season 07/08 Stagsnet Match Report
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Mansfield Town
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Brentford
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Elder o.g. (later credited to M.Boulding) 15, Louis 64
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O'Conner 25, Connell 56, Elder 85
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Attendance: 2511 (402 from Brentford)
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Date: 2 February 2008
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The Stags made two changes from the side victorious at Lincoln in midweek, one forced due to the suspension of Dan Martin, the other tactical. Wood came in at right back, with Mullins shifted to partner Buxton in the middle of the defence with Jelleyman reverting to left back. Simon Brown was left out, replaced by Ian Holmes. New signings Louis Jefferson and Will Atkinson were on the bench.
The Stags began well and could have been ahead with the first attack of the game, Buxton heading onto the bar after a fine cross by Dawson on the right. Boulding should have put the Stags ahead moments later, put through by Holmes on the left hand side of the area, he dragged his shot well wide. Indeed, the Stags were dominant and the goal their early endeavours had deserved came on 15 minutes. Hamshaw's free kick was flicked on by Boulding but the keeper looked certain the claim the ball until Elder inadvertedly turned it past his own keeper. Rather than build on the goal though, it was the visitors who responded more positively and they were almost level within 5 minutes, first Connell broke free of a static Stags defence but his attempted chip lobbed straight into Muggletons hands, then a long range effort deflected towards goal, Muggleton parried and Jelleyman was on hand to clear the rebound with a Brentford striker seemingly certain to score. It was now all Brentford and the Stags lead hung by a thread, a thread that was broken after a foolish challenge by Buxton on the edge of his own area. With no chance of winning the ball, Buxton jumped into a Bees striker and from 20 yards Connell curled a superb free kick past the helpless Muggleton. Stags were now very much second best, but Boulding threatened to snatch an undeserved half time lead as his goalbound shot was blocked. Just before half time the Stags had to be thankful for the excellent positioning of Jelleyman as he was on hand to just deny a certain goal with a superb sliding tackle after Muggleton had blocked a shot. Half Time: 1-1 The second half started as the first had ended, with the visitors very much on top. In fact, you could sense a goal was coming, the only surprise was it took 11 minutes into the 2nd half. More sickening for the Stags was that before the goal both Atkinson and Louis were ready to come on, but the next time the ball was to go out of play was when Brentford took the lead, Connell finishing superbly low to Muggletons left. The substitutes did provide the Stags with new impetus, particularly Louis who's strong, bustling style quickly won the admiration of the Stags faithful. In fact, is was Louis who dragged the Stags back into it, calmly finishing after Boulding's short pass to him inside the area. The game was now really on and at this stage the Stags were possibly favourites to claim what overall would have been an undeserved win. However, despite a fairly even spell towards the end of the game, it was the visitors who claimed the points, the Stags desperately looking for a flag as Elder broke clean through and slotted the ball past Muggleton. It was no more than Brentford deserved. Apart from a good opening 20 minutes and a decent spell in the middle of the second half, this was a poor display from the Stags. Defensively weak and creating little, it was s similar pattern to what has been set before us this season. A few bright spots, Muggleton continues his fine form and really kept the scoreline respectable, Jelleyman had a good game back at left back and both new signings, Atkinson and Louis showed enough promise to warrant a starting place at Wycombe next season. Man of the Match: Carl Muggleton |
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Report by: Rob Wheldon
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Line Up:
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Muggleton 8 Some fine saves, could do nothing about the goals
Wood 5 Steady in the 1st half, all at sea 2nd half Buxton 5 Poor foul lead to equaliser, didn't get much better after that Mullins 6 Did OK, but where was he for the Bees winner? Jelleyman 7 Two fine clearances preventing certain goals, did well going forward too Hamshaw 6 Did OK when on the ball, but not involved enough D'Laryea 5 Out of position, struggled Dawson 5 No end product once more, the Stags need goals from midfield if they are to stay up Bell 5 Ineffective throughout Boulding 6 Lively but missed a couple of good chances Holmes 5 Quiet game, not involved enough |
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Sub Line Up:
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Atkinson (for D'Laryea, 57) 7 Good quality on the ball, probably should have started the game
Louis (for Holmes, 57) 7 Held the ball up well and took his goal very calmly Subs not used: White, Brown, Arnold. |
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Opposition Line Up:
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Hamer, Dickson, Heywood, Sankofa, Pead, Poole (Parkes 77), O'Connor (Stone 79), Smith, Shakes (Montague 90), Elder, Connell. Subs Not Used: Simon Brown, Osborne.
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Referee:
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Jon Moss 6 Did OK, got most things right, particularly Connell's diving
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