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Rob Wheldon at Belle View Stags fielded a strong side for the clash with near neighbours Doncaster Rovers, some of whose fans seem to believe there is a miners strike on at the moment. Stags began with a 3-5-2 formation with on trial keeper Miotto in goal. Ruled out of the game due to injury were Les Robinson, Liam Lawrence and Micky Boulding and not in the squad were keepers Bobby Mimms and Ian Bowling. New signings Stuart Hicks and Wayne Corden started the game, as did on trial Martin Pemberton. Stags began
nervously and were behind within a couple of minutes when a cross from the right
was headed past his own keeper by Stags skipper Hicks. Stags then fell
further behind after 6 minutes when Half-Time: 2-0 The 2nd half saw
the Stags really take a grip on the match, despite the scoreline. Tony
Lormor soon pulled a goal back after being found in space by Greenacre, his left
foot shot curling past the keepers outstretched right hand. Despite the
odd counter attack Stags controlled possession though Miotto made Doncaster are a fit and powerful outfit and this was a stern test for the young Stags side. However, it was a test which, after a poor first ten minutes, they passed with flying colours. The keeper was a little shaky on crosses but did make one fine save and Stuart Hicks will have better games - he does look a commanding presence in our box, which is what we need. Tony Lormor worked as hard as ever in attack though Chris Greenacre had a quiet afternoon. In midfield Martin Pemberton competed well, as did Michael Sisson, Darrell Clarke was again quiet. Andrews and Asher did well enough but the star performer was undoubtedly Bobby Hassell. He won everything in the air, distributed the ball superbly and looked the most accomplished player on the pitch. Man of the Match: Bobby Hassell
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a free kick from the right wasn't claimed by Miotto and headed home by the
unmarked Doncaster striker. Despite the poor start the Stags soon settled
and their passing became more controlled as the Stags maintained possession for
long spells. Some fine work on the left saw Corden play an inch perfect
pass to Clarke some 15 yards out but the Stags midfielders powerful shot was
tipped onto the underside of the bar by the keeper and bounced clear.
Minutes later Williams broke free on the right and his cross was headed
goalwards by a Doncaster defender, the home keeper pulling off another fine save
to deny the game its second own goal. Hicks was then involved in a minor
punch-up with a Doncaster striker, both were told to be subbed by the Referee,
Hicks being replaced by Bobby Hassell. This was a bit harsh on Hicks as
the only punch I saw thrown was from the Doncaster man, and the reaction of the
players at Hicks "dismissal" said much. However, Hassell stepped
into the centre of the back three as if he'd been playing there for years.
a
sharp save after Doncaster had, for once, breached the Stags defensive
line. Williams was then given a stern talking to after a needless late
tackle, one for which he would have been at least booked in a competitive
match. Stags shooting was not as great as it could have been, though this
soon changed with the introduction of Danny Bacon, who replaced Chris
Greenacre. After a few neat touches Bacon received the ball on the left
hand side of the Doncaster box, with his back to goal. The promising young
striker then swiveled past his marker before unleashing a stunning half-volley
which was brilliantly saved by the home keeper. As the Stags pressed it
seemed as though the equalizer would never come. However, with just 5
minutes to go, Lee Williams was pulled over in the box and the Referee had no
hesitation in awarding a penalty. I was quite a long way from the
incident, though judging by the lack of protest it appeared the correct
decision. Wayne Corden cheekily chipped the penalty home and gave the
Stags a thoroughly deserved draw.
