Tuesday 23rd October - Kick-off 7.45pm

Nationwide League Division 3

Attendance:  4, 059 (186 from Torquay)  

The game started quietly but the Stags forced a corner on 5 minutes after Lawrence's free kick had been headed behind by Woods.  However, like so much of the Stags early play the set piece was wasted.  On 12 minutes Bradley was fouled on the right of the area, Pemberton's free kick was headed just wide by Reddington.  Corden then played a great ball to Lawrence whose deep cross was again headed over the bar by Woods, once more the corner came to nothing.  At the other end Nicholls failed to test Pilkington from 20 yards, his low right foot shot flying wide.  On 20 minutes came the Stags best chance, another great cross by Corden found Lawrence unmarked on the far post but the young Stags winger volleyed just wide.  A couple of minutes later came the Stags best move of the match, the impressive Hassell combined well with Lawrence and put in a great cross which Torquay keeper Dearden brilliantly punched clear as it appeared Disley was about to head home.  Torquay were gradually coming into the game and looking very lively on the counter, most noticeably through the speedy Richardson.  It was Richardson who broke clear on the Gulls left flank but with a two on one situation his ball to Nicholls was slightly behind his strike partner and though Nicholls did well to turn and shoot his effort flew wide.  Nicholls was again in the thick of the action, this time he shot on target but Pilkington saved easily.  On half time a great tackle in his own area by Hassell lead to a Stags counter, Bradley was found by a neat ball from Greenacre but saw his shot well saved by Dearden.

Half-time 0-0

Torquay started the stronger in the early stages of the 2nd half, Richardson again proving a real threat on the left but this time Reddington read the danger and cleared well under pressure.  Disley then mis-timed a challenge 20 yards from goal but the free kick was fired low and wide.  On 55 minutes there was an almighty goal mouth scramble in the Torquay 6-yard box, however no Stags player was on hand to secure the finishing touch and the ball was cleared for a corner which was cleared to Hassell who fired over.  The Stags enjoyed a sustained spell of pressure but once more the delivery from set pieces left much to be desired.  The game turned with a controversial decision on 64 minutes.   Greenacre beat Hankin to the ball and the Gulls defender clearly pulled Greenacre back.  The incident took place some 30 yards from goal and whilst the foul was not in doubt, the red card that was given to the Torquay player was a little harsh.  Lawrence fired the resultant free kick just over the bar.  The Stags were now well on top and on 75 minutes took the lead.  A foul on Disley gave Pemberton the chance to strike a free kick, his left foot curler hit the inside of the post and came out to Greenacre who slid the ball home for his 11th of the season.  However, Torquay should have been level just two minutes later when Hockley was clean through, he sent the ball across Pilkington but the Stags keeper brilliantly tipped the ball away.  On 80 minutes the Stags could have tied the game up, Lawrence's cross from the right was met by the head of Disley but Dearden produced a superb save and tipped the ball onto the bar and over for a corner.  The Stags made the points safe three minutes from time, Williamson picked the ball up in the middle, found Greenacre who slid a neat ball to Corden who ran with the ball, cut inside and curled a stunning right foot shot low past Dearden.

Not a great performance from the Stags but after Saturday's defeat the points were much needed.  The sending off looked a little harsh and certainly Torquay fans will point to this as the key turning point in the match.  Indeed Torquay are a vastly improved side from last season.  However, there is little doubt that the Stags were the better side and just about deserved the victory.  The referee was appalling, for both sides and the linesman on the Bishop Street side clearly needs to re-read his FA Rule Book and look up "offside law", he was clearly inept.  Sponsors Man of the Match was rather strangely given to Lawrence, and whilst it is again a close call Bobby Hassell just pips Lee Williamson to the award for me.

Man of the Match:  Bobby Hassell

Report by Rob Wheldon

Click here for Martin's report

Cautions:  Gulls:  Nicholls 74 - Stags:  Greenacre 25, Bradley 49 

Sending Off:  Hankin 64

Referee:  Mr K D Hill - 3 - Appalling