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Martin Shaw at
Aggborough
Another
disappointing away day for the Stags as they lost their fifth consecutive game
away from Field Mill. The key points of the game was some terrible Stags
defending down the Kidderminster right-wing and inability to pick up attackers
in the box from crosses. Stags made one change from the side that had been
held by Carlisle, as Michael Boulding replaced Danny Bacon in attack.
Kidderminster included in their side former Stags striker Stewart `Turbo`
Hadley, who returned to the Harriers side due to injury to
fellow striker Ian Foster. There was a good following from Mansfield with about
300 fans making the journey from East to West Midlands.
Mansfield made a quite appalling start and had already been guilty of giving the
ball away on a number of occasions before the home side took the lead on 3
minutes. A cross came in, unchallenged, from the aptly named Ducros on the
right-wing and found the unmarked John Durnin at the far post. Durnin had all
the time in the world to place his header back into the far corner of the net
giving Mimms no chance. Stags continued to play poorly, but gradually
worked their way back into the game. Possession was fairly evenly spread between
the 2 sides but it was Kiddie who were passing ball around neatly and looking
more likely to score. Several times Pemberton gave the ball away unnecessarily
and was easily beaten down the right wing, and it seemed that Hicks was at often
fault with poor marking in the box.
Stags had a half-chance for Hassell who show straight at the keeper, while
Boulding had the best chance but his powerful shot was well saved. But Stags
never got a grip of the midfield and it seemed that loose balls always fell for
the home side. Kidderminster had a great chance to extend their lead just before
half time. Another cross from the right wing found Durnin again unmarked 6 yards
from goal, but when it seemed easier to score, he volleyed his shot onto the
outside of the post.
Half Time 1-0
Stags needed a
lift from somewhere but it never came, and despite  having
an even share of possession, like in the first half, Mansfield in truth never
looked like equalising. Again it was the home side that created the better
chances. The best chance was another free header from 6 yards, this time from a
left-wing cross, but Durnin headed well-wide.
So Mansfield slipped to yet another away defeat, this time by 1-0: the first 1-0
defeat away from home this season. Despite an equal share of possession, Stags
were well beaten and should have lost by more than one goal. Kidderminster
played very neat football and out-passed the Stags, who themselves have been
praised for neat football this season, but certainly not today. After the
failure to beat Carlisle at Field Mill, it is now quite vital that Stags pick up
at least 6 points from the 3 consecutive home games coming up against Barnet,
Cheltenham and Plymouth.
Man of the Match - Adam Barrett
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