|
Saturday 15th December 2001 - Kick-off 3pm |
Nationwide League Division 3 |
Attendance: 5, 437 |
Stags fell
down to earth with a bump after the terrific home wins over Huddersfield
and
Swansea, with a disappointing display at Oxford in a 3-2 defeat. Although
Stags twice led at 1-0 and 2-1, but they never looked comfortable against
an Oxford side rejuvenated since Ian Atkins had replaced Mark Wright in
the hot seat. In truth the home side eventually deserved their win.
On loan striker Matt Piper, who was not allowed to play in the FA Cup,
returned to the side in place of Shayne Bradley, who himself returned from
that horrific injury against Huddersfield to the substitute's bench. There
were no other changes to the Stags line-up that was trying to continue an
excellent run. Oxford included the debutant central defensive pairing of
Andy Crosby from Brighton and Dave Morley from Carlisle, both of whom also
made their debuts for their previous clubs in victories over the Stags:
Crosby in the 6-0 game that we want to forget, and Morley in a 2-1 defeat
at Carlisle last season. Half-time
0-1 |
STAGS RATINGS | ||
Pilkington | 8 | Some brilliant first half saves, but was too slow off his line in conceding the 2nd goal |
Hassell | 6 | Did ok at right back. |
Tankard | 6 | Sloppy play for the third goal; unlucky not to score at 2-2; generally did ok. |
Barrett | 6 | Never looked comfortable against this giant Oxford side. |
Robinson | 6 | Started very badly, but showed good composure after that. Struggled to cope with the height of the Oxford side. |
Lawrence | 6 | Dangerous in the first half, but faded in the second half, and substituted by Asher. |
Corden | 7 | Looked dangerous on a few occasions. |
Disley | 6 | Good first half, but lost a grip of midfield in the second half. |
Williamson | 6 | Tough tackling in the first half, but too often second to the ball in the second half. |
Greenacre | 6 | Too quiet today, but really given a good service from midfield. |
Piper | 7 | Involved in both of the goals with lively play, and generally did well. |
Sub | ||
Asher | 6 | for Lawrence (81) - Did ok in a defensive substitution to try to hold onto a point. |
Subs Not Used: Bradley, Bingham, Pemberton, Reddington. |
Your Choice Man of the Match | Pilkington 49% |
Report by Martin Shaw