Saturday 18th August 2001

Nationwide League Division 3

Attendance:  2, 774

As expected Shayne Bradley was again ruled out through a heel injury and he was joined on the sidelines by Danny Bacon, meaning the Stags had just the two fit strikers available.  The starting eleven was exactly the same that started at Hartlepool a week ago.  

Both sides began cautiously and goal mouth action was fairly scarce.  For the Stags Corden was again in good form on the left and it was no surprise when he was heavily involved in the Stags opening chance of the half, Andy White just failing to control his shot from Corden's excellent left wing cross.  On 20 minutes White again tried his luck, this time forcing a save from Flahavon after he had tried a cheeky flick to Hassell's long throw.  At the other end Pilkington had to come off his line quickly to deny Searle and then moments later Rawle should have done better when put through but mis-kicked his shot well wide.  Corden again almost provided the Stags with a goal, this time Greenacre should have done better, slicing wide at the near post after more good work from the Stags winger.  Hassell received a harsh caution on 34 minutes after Robinson had sold the Stags fullback short on a pass, in fact Robbo was having one of his rare average games being caught in possession more times in the 1st half than he was the whole of last season!!  The booking count was levelled up when Johnson protested too strongly to a free kick award, the kick was advanced 10 yards and after Lawrence had hit a very tame shot into the wall Disley's follow up was comfortable for Flahavon.  Right at the end of the half Robinson was penalised for a foul right on the edge of the Stags area, the kick was well struck by Johnson but held at the second attempt by Pilkington.

Half-time 0-0

The Stags began much the stronger in the 2nd half and Greenacre almost repeated the brilliant goal he scored against Sunderland in pre-season when he turned and almost lobbed Flahavon from over 25 yards.  White then should have hit the target when he was given a free header by Corden's inch perfect cross but headed tamely wide.  Greenacre then had the Stags fans on their feet again when a stunning left foot strike flew just over the bar.  Disley then combined well with White to create an opportunity but his low shot flew wide.  The Stags were now well on top but failed to create that clear cut opportunity.  Indeed it was left to the best played on the pitch to almost snatch the winner.  Picking the ball up on the left hand side Corden neatly skipped past Searle and hit a low right foot shot which was well saved by Flahavon.  Corden's corner was then scrambled clear at the far post with Lawrence lurking.  The Stags summoned up one last effort and laid siege on the Southend goal, however, it was not to be and the home side had to settle for a disappointing draw.

The Stags did more than enough to win the game, with Pilkington a spectator for the most part.  Greenacre and White again did well in attack but will rue missing the few chances they had.  Disley was better in the 2nd half after, for him, an average opening half but Lawrence struggled throughout on the right.  Reddington was again terrific at the back but for once Les Robinson was not quite as immaculate as usual.  Wayne Corden continued his excellent form and was by some distance the best player on the pitch, his trickery, control and quality crossing were a joy to watch.

Man of the Match:  Wayne Corden

LINE-UP & STAGS RATINGS

Stags:  Pilkington 7, Hassell 7, Tankard 6 (Pemberton 88, 6), Robinson 6, Reddington 8, Lawrence 5, Williamson 6, Disley 7, Corden 9, Greenacre 7, White 7.  Subs Not Used:  Asher, Bingham, Williams

Southend:  Flahavan, Broad, Whelan, Maher, Court, Johnson, Thurgood, Hutchings, Searle, Rawle, Webb

Cautions: 

Stags:  Hassell (34) - Southend: Johnson (41), Whelan (60), Webb (90)

Referee:  G. Laws (Whitley Bay) - 6