|
Tuesday 20th November 2001 - Kick-off 7.45pm |
Nationwide League Division 3 |
Attendance: 5, 043 |
Stags picked up a fourth
successive victory, and a third successive clean sheet with a terrific win at
the Memorial Ground against struggling Bristol Rovers. It was a highly
competent all round performance from the Stags, with Robinson and Barrett
outstanding in defence, and debutant Matt Piper, on loan from Leicester, a
real handful up front for the home side.
Stags made one change from the
side that beat Oxford, with Piper replacing the injured Bacon. Stags had the
better of the first half and created the three best chances. Greenacre turned
and produced a fabulous shot from 30 yards which whistled just past the post -
an effort reminiscent of his wonder goal at Rotherham 2 seasons ago. Then
Barrett headed down into the ground and over the bar from a right wing corner.
Finally Piper was put through in a one-on-one with the keeper, and his shot
was on target, but the keeper had closed down the angle and smothered the shot. Rovers looked
pacey up front but lacking in skill. They got behind the Stags a couple of
times early on but failed to create clear-cut chances, and after that the
excellent Robinson snuffed out further danger.
Overall a very satisfying
three points, as Stags picked up their first ever victory away to Bristol
Rovers. Rovers looked a very poor side it has to be said, but Stags showed a
quality and resilience that suggests a real promotion challenge can be
sustained. A good turnout of around 300 Stags fans for a midweek game, and a
special mention for the Everton scout Brian Harris who we met in the pub
before the game, who showed us his Everton FA Cup winners medal from 1966, and
who was there to look at Greenacre and Report by Martin Shaw & Jeff Barnes
|
STAGS RATINGS | ||
Pilkington | 7 | Much improved, and now showing confidence from crosses. Made one great punch from a dangerous ball, though was a little lucky with a late mistake - his only blemish |
Hassell | 6 | Defended competently, though not as potent going forward as usual |
Tankard | 7 | Looks very comfortable at left back; never beaten down the wing |
Barrett | 8 | Commanding performance, winning most headers in the air |
Robinson | 8 | After a dodgy opening five minutes, produced a captain's display snuffing out the Rovers threat, with several well-timed tackles |
Lawrence | 7 | Great free kick, and looking better with his defensive duties |
Corden | 7 | Quiet first half, but very skilful on the ball in the second half |
Disley | 7 | Didn't get the rub of the green going forward, though did win the free-kick for the goal. Generally did well. |
Williamson | 7 | Decent game in the middle, never allowing the home midfield to settle |
Greenacre | 7 | Good touch as always, and unlucky with one shot in the first half |
Piper | 8 | Great debut, looked very quick, full of skill, held the ball up well, and created plenty of danger. |
Subs Not Used: White, Asher, Jervis, Reddington, Bingham |
Your Choice Man of the Match |
Robinson 24% |
Barrett 21% |
Piper 16% |