Tallon’s first goal while Whitehall nets a freak goal

On Saturday 28th March 1998, the Stags played host to Peterborough United at Field Mill on the back of a good run which had seen them come within eight points of the play-offs with seven games to go. Peterborough themselves were in the final play-off position.

Stags took the lead after 15 minutes in bizarre fashion. Darrell Clarke slotted a ball through for Steve Whitehall but Posh keeper Mark Tyler got to it first, only to see his clearance cannon back off Whitehall and past him into the net. It was Whitehall’s 21st goal of the season. Stags went two ahead after 45 minutes with Gary Tallon’s first goal for the club. The goal came after Steve Harper headed a ball to Lee Peacock. Peacock back-heeled the ball into the path of Tallon, who poked a shot inside the far post. The second half saw much Peterborough pressure but Stags nearly added a third when Watkiss and Harper played in a ball for Whitehall who, in turn, picked out Peacock, but Peacock just failed to make it count. Just before the end, Tallon nearly added another when his long range effort was turned around the post by Tyler.

After the game, Tallon said “I got a bit giddy after scoring one and starting shooting from anywhere. We have six games left and everything to play for.” As it turned out, both Stags and Posh missed out on the play-offs.

You can read the full report of this game in the Vintage Stags section of the Stags Supporters Association website, at www.Stagsnet.net

Compiled by Martin Shaw