Stags
produced a powerful and dominant display to claim all 3 points against a
very poor Exeter side at St James Park tonight. The only goal came early
on when Wayne Corden's excellent cross from the left wing was headed home
at the far post by the leaping Liam Lawrence for his second goal of the
season. Stags had enough possession and chances to have sewed the game up
early, but in the end Exeter were easily kept at bay by a
tight Stags defence. Stags were unchanged from the side that had
beaten Hartlepool at Field Mill, with both Hassell and Tankard recovering
from knocks. Robinson and Disley were still kept out by injury. Exeter
included former Stag Andy Roscoe, but there was a boost for the Stags with
keeper Arjan Van Heusden, Exeter hero at Field Mill just before Christmas,
being kept out by injury.
There was a following of about 100 from Mansfield, with about 60 getting
soaked on the terrace and without a good view of the game from pitch level
behind the goal, and another 40, including us, in the rickety old stand
along the side, surrounded by several 100 squealing kids who had been let
in free, creating a rather surreal atmosphere. But at least we had a good
view.
Stags started excellently with Corden seeing a lot of the ball early on
and creating havoc down the left as well as cutting in from the wing. This
was soon rewarded as Corden's excellent left wing cross was met high in
the air by a leaping Liam Lawrence at the far post who simply guided the
ball into the top right hand corner of the net. Stags were in total
control early on, though Exeter had occasional moments of danger. These
mostly stemmed from Andy Roscoe's corners, one of which was badly punched
by Pilkington where Stags were lucky to escape as the ball pin-balled
around the area. Exeter just had 3 other first half chances as Pilkington
saved low from a shot from outside the area, Roscoe drove a free-kick
straight at Pilkington who tipped it over the bar, and Hassell headed off
the line from Exeter's best move of the game, instigated by their best
player Christian Roberts.
Stags had numerous chances and were so close to extending their lead when
Williamson broke through from midfield and virtually passed the ball onto
the right hand post with the keeper watching in admiration after half an
hour. It seemed a goal all the way. Stags other best chances fell to
Piper, who shot just over from 18 yards, and Corden, who had 2 trademark
efforts cutting in from the left.
Half time 0-1
At half time, Stags had played really well, and seemed in total control of
the game. The second half started as the first half finished with
the Stags still in total control, and the passing game simply a joy to
watch. Often the Stags were so much on top, it seemed too easy, but the
second goal wouldn't come and as the game wore on, there was a little
anxiety that the home side could squeak an undeserved equaliser. Early on
a Corden cross reached Greenacre, who was ruled offside as he netted the
ball. It was very tight and from our position looked as though it may have
been onside. Stags had many chances to finish the game off, but the final
touch was missing. Lawrence had the best chance when he was
completely unmarked 12 yards out but clipped his half volley well wide as
the ball came to him quite quickly. Piper tormented the Exeter defenders
down the right wing time after time but the Stags just couldn't get on the
end of his crosses. Corden again had a couple of good chances when
cutting in from the left, and Greenacre shot just over the left angle.
Generally the Stags were queuing up to score as it looked like men against
boys, with Exeter unable to get hold of the ball.
However as time went on, Exeter seemed to sense the chance of an
undeserved equaliser but were well kept at bay by the solid back line.
Indeed there really weren't any late chances for the home side though
Pilkington had to be alert to collect a couple of through balls. Exeter's
frustration boiled over in injury time when Barrett was fouled with a
leading elbow, and Roscoe got involved with Lawrence off the ball, but
Williamson intervened to stop Lawrence getting booked. Roscoe and another
Exeter player were booked in the incident. After 6 minutes of injury time,
the final whistle went and Stags were delighted to have claimed the win.
This was a highly competent display from the Stags, worthy of a team in
the promotion places. The defence and goalkeeper were rarely troubled,
Williamson was outstanding in the midfield, Corden and Piper were
dangerous on the wings, and on another day, the Stags could have had a
hatful. As it was, one was enough, and results elsewhere put Stags in a
very healthy league position. Once again the local reporters from the
opposition were praising the Stags as the best team they've seen this
season. Another clean sheet shows that the defence is settling into a nice
rhythm even without captain Les Robinson, who may now find it difficult to
win his place back. Piper was terrific on the right, with Lawrence
playing a little deeper than usual. Stags now have a week to rest
before 3 tough looking home games in 7 days, starting with in-form
Kidderminster next Tuesday.
Man of the Match:
Lee Williamson
Report by
Martin Shaw & Jeff Barnes |