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Archived News from February 2009

HOLDSWORTH AND MARK COOPER REACTION
22nd February 2009 21:02


Video of post match press conference here

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Poppies need more desire - Cooper
BBC.co.uk

Kettering boss Mark Cooper wants more commitment from his players as he looks to climb the Blue Square Premier table.

"The only thing that's missing at the moment is that bit of desire," Cooper told BBC Radio Northampton after Tuesday's 0-0 draw at Mansfield.

"We need to see that willingness to risk getting four or five stitches in an eyebrow to go for a diving header."

"I want the players to put their bodies on the line to get on the end of something and score a goal for us."

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BBC audio here
Holdsworth fury at penalty snub

Mansfield Town boss Dean Holdsworth was stunned by referee Mark Brown's failure to award his side an injury-time penalty against high-flying Kettering.

The Stags earned a point thanks to a resolute display in Tuesday's 0-0 draw.

But Holdworth felt his side should have had the chance to take all three from the spot after Richard Graham appeared to foul Gary Silk in the box.

"I've seen the replay and it was a 100 per cent penalty - a stonewaller," Holdsworth told BBC Radio Nottingham.

"I can't believe he's not given it.

"The ref asked me to look at the video, I have done so and it's still a penalty."

"The man took the boy's legs away and the penalty should have been given. I'm dismayed.

But Holdsworth said he was thrilled with his side's display against the promotion-chasing Poppies.

"I'm delighted with the way my team have played," he said. "In the second half we were absolutely magnificent.

"They haven't had a shot at goal and this team is challenging for a play-off spot - if not more.

"They are a good organised side but there was only one team that were going to win the game.

"They play direct, for position rather than possession, but we were very solid."

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Stags manager David Holdsworth interviewed by Radio Nottm's Robin Chipperfield plus Radio Nottm closing sequence here

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Briscoe: Stags so solid at the back whoever plays
Evening Post

LOUIS Briscoe believes Mansfield Town's ability to keep clean sheets even when changing team personnel bodes well for the season run-in.

http://www.thisisnottingham.co.uk/football/Briscoe-Stags-solid-plays/article-711103-detail/article.html

The Stags recorded their fifth shut-out in six matches since David Holdsworth took over as manager in Tuesday night's 0-0 draw with Kettering.
That was despite the absence of Scott Garner, who was named the Blue Square Premier player of the month for January, through suspension.
"There has been changes in the team for the last couple of games now, but we still don't concede goals," said Briscoe.
"Mazza [Alan Marriott] has been tremendous in goal, Alan [O'Hare] came in for the Kettering game and did well, Adie [Moses] offers experience, Scott [Gardner] has fitted in quickly and Paul [Mayo] is excellent on the ball.
%3Cbody%3E%3Cdiv%20id%3D%22adDiv%22%3E%3CA%20HREF%3D%22http%3A//ads.anm.co.uk/ADCLICK/CID%3Dfffffffcfffffffcfffffffc/AAMSZ%3D452x118/SITE%3DTHISISNOTT/AREA%3DFOOTBALL/SUBAREA%3D/ARTICLE%3D711103/acc_random%3D7901827844/pageid%3D/RS%3D10340.10281.10307.10330.10331.10332.10319.10425.10428.10429.10464.10486.%22%20target%3D%22_new%22%3E%3CIMG%20SRC%3D%22http%3A//iad.anm.co.uk/anmdefaultad.gif%22%20ALT%3D%22%22%20border%3D0%20style%3D%22margin-bottom%3A%200px%3B%22%3E%3C/A%3E%3C/div%3E"And we have still got Scott Garner and Gary Silk to slot in there as well.
"We have only let in one goal now since the new manager came in and that is because we have a togetherness.
"It was another good solid performance and we never really looked in any danger near the end.
"On another day we would have got the penalty and won the game."
Left-back James Kay has been released. The 20-year-old, who signed for the Stags under Billy McEwan, made just one appearance under David Holdsworth, at Eastbourne, but was subbed after half an hour.

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Holdsworth fury as Stags denied a 'stone-wall' penalty
Evening Post
Furious Mansfield boss David Holdsworth branded the referee's failure to award a stoppage time penalty against Kettering a 'joke'.Gary Silk burst into the box and was clearly fouled by Richard Graham with seconds to go.

http://www.thisismansfieldtown.co.uk/news/Holdsworth-fury-as-Stags-denied-a--stone-wall--pen.aspx

But Bristol official M. Brown waved play on, to the amazement and frustration of the home players and fans.

Brown asked Holdsworth to look at a replay of the incident again on television and the Stags manager obliged.

That only served to convince the manager he was right.

Holdsworth said the crucial decision cost his hard-working team two points as the game finished goalless.

"It was an absolute stone-wall penalty, 100 per cent and I'm totally dismayed he's not given it," said Holdsworth.

"If there was an assessor at the game, he is going to be in trouble.

"Even Nicky Eaden (Kettering's assistant manager) said we should have had two penalties.

"It shouldn't matter what the time is in the game. The man took his legs inside the box and it's a penalty."

Mansfield still made it six games unbeaten under Holdsworth with their fifth clean sheet.

He was more than happy with the Stags performance, especially in the second half.

Holdsworth said: "I'm delighted with the way we played and we were magnificent in the second period when they didn't have a shot.

"They are challenging for the play-offs but there was only one team going to go on and win.

"But the expectancy level is higher now than when I first came in, an expectancy of winning.

"I wish the Oxford game was today because we are flying."

Holdsworth praised a number of players for their

contributions, including Alan O'Hare, making his first start under the new regime.

"Alan did fine but he was a little bit rusty with his headers and I told him that.

"But he is a good pro and I'm pleased to have him on board.

"Adie Moses was outstanding and marshalled the defence well and Louis Briscoe counter-attacked brilliantly.

"Some of his stuff was unbelievable."

Scott Gardner, who started at right-back came off after an hour with what is a suspected hamstring tear.

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Holdsworth angry but eyeing Oxford clash
Evening Post
Mansfield boss David Holdsworth can't wait for Saturday's trip to Oxford, despite feeling robbed against Kettering tonight.

The Stags drew 0-0 with the Poppies at Field Mill – their fourth clean sheet in a row at home and their six game unbeaten under their new boss.

Holdsworth was left fuming after his side were denied a last-minute penalty when Gary Silk was felled by Richard Graham in the box.

But he says Mansfield will quickly put their frustrations behind them ahead of the trip to the Kassam Stadium.

“It was an absolute stone-wall penalty, 100 per cent and I'm totally dismayed he's not given it.

“It shouldn't matter what the time is in the game, the man took his legs inside the box and it's a penalty. It would have given us the opportunity to win.

“The referee has asked me to look at it again and I have done. If there was an assessor at the game, he is going to be in trouble.

“Now we go down to Oxford where Chris Wilder is doing a great job.

“I played with him at Sheffield United and they won again at the weekend 3-0 (against Barrow).

“He has brought some good players in but we wish the game was tomorrow because we are flying.”

Holdsworth was pleased his side showed more drive going forward after calling for more chances to be created leading up to the game.

He said: “I thought we showed very well in the first 15 minutes and their goalkeeper has pulled off two great saves.

“I asked the players to come out quickly and have a go and they did that.

“We were organised, tough and resilient again and that's all I can ask for.”

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Penalty woe for Stags manager Holdsworth
CHAD.co.uk, 17 February 2009
By Tim Morriss
DISAPPOINTED Stags boss David Holdsworth claims Mansfield Town were denied a clear penalty deep into stoppage time of Tuesday night's goalless draw with Kettering.
But at least he had the satisfaction of extending his unbeaten start at the club to six matches - four wins, two draws and five clean sheets.

http://www.chad.co.uk/stags/Penalty-woe-for-Stags-manager.4990184.jp

Substitute Gary Silk appeared to be tripped 60 seconds from the end of three minutes of added-on time of a thrilling 0-0 draw, after being put in by Louis Briscoe.

But to the fury of Stags fans and players referee David Brown waved away their penalty claims - prompting loud boos at the final whistle.

At the end Holdsworth said: "It was a stonewall penalty, 100 per cent. I have seen the replay, it was stonewall. The referee has asked me to have a look at the video, I have and I think it was a penalty.

"It was a stonewall penalty, my player's legs were taken away. I can't believe he has not given it.

"My team tonight were magnificent. I am delighted the way we played in the second half, there was only one team going to win the game.

"We played some good football, counter attacked well at times. I can't grumble at the way we performed, we went for it at the end, got the opportunity and were denied it by the referee.

"I am delighted with the clean sheet though. We have worked our socks off and tonight we also played with a lot of flair."
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Latest | February 2009