Season 21/22 Stagsnet Match Report
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Sunderland
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Mansfield Town
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Oates 6
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Attendance: 8,620 (1335 from Mansfield)
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Date: 6 November 2021
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WONDERFUL STAGS WIN AT SUNDERLAND AGAIN IN THE FA CUP
Martin Shaw at the Stadium of Light Mansfield Town produced a wonderful performance to deservedly win 1-0 at Sunderland this afternoon in the First Round of the FA Cup, for the second season running. It was stunning stuff from the Stags who out-played the Carabao Cup quarter-finalists and 5th placed side in League One to earn a place in Monday night’s Round Two draw. The only goal of the game, after just 6 minutes, was a bit of a gift as keeper Lee Burge’s clearance was charged down by Harry Charsley on the edge of the area and fell for Rhys Oates who was able to take aim and place his shot from 18 yards into the net off the inside of the left post. A good finish from Oates. But although it was a gift, it came from Mansfield trying to close down Sunderland’s back line as they played it around at the back. And it came right in front of the visiting 1300 Stags fans, what a moment for them after the side played here last season behind closed doors. The Stags had numerous chances to extend their lead in the first half. After 27 minutes, George Lapslie set Charsley away into the area and his low shot with just the keeper to beat was inches wide of the left post. Then on 43 minutes, Oates got to the byline on the left and his low cross came to Lapslie whose goalbound shot was deflected just over the bar. The Stags came even closer from the resulting corner, taken by Stephen Quinn from the left, as Oli Hawkins rose highest to head against the bar. The home side had just one opportunity of their own, on 42 minutes, as Leon Dajaku got to the byline on the right, chipped in a cross and Nathan Broadhead’s header was superbly saved by Nathan Bishop. Sunderland, who made fewer changes to their side than many local pundits expected, keeping half of their side from their previous match, made further changes at half time bringing on four more first team regulars. Yet it was Mansfield who kept creating the better chances. On 50 minutes, George Maris’s free kick from the right reached McLaughlin on the left and his first time shot flew just wide. Then on 58 minutes, Charsley got into the area on the right and his cross found Quinn who fired over the bar. At the other end after 51 minutes, Lynden Gooch played inside to Dan Neil who sliced a shot just wide of the right post on the half volley from 20 yards. The game could have been out of sight but into the final 10 minutes and finally Sunderland put the Stags under some pressure and created a couple of chances. After 82 minutes, Elliott Hewitt did well to block a shot from Corry Evans on the line after a cross from the right by Carl Winchester was turned goalwards by Evans at the far post from 10 yards. And there was one final near-miss for Sunderland after 90+1 minutes as Dan Neil smacked a shot against the crossbar from 12 yards. It was a stroke of luck for the Stags, but one they more than deserved, having hit the bar themselves in the first half and created more clearcut chances than the home side. Indeed after the game, Sunderland boss Lee Johnson conceded: “overall you have to say that Mansfield deserved it.” Great celebrations at the final whistle as the Stags players were able to celebrate with the magnificent travelling fans who provided tremendous vocal support for their side throughout the game, and dragged the players through that last 10 minutes when Sunderland finally put the Stags under some pressure. Every Stags player played very well. Oates was magnificent up front on his own, causing the home side plenty of problems. The 5 man midfield of Charsley, Maris, Ollie Clarke, Lapslie and Quinn never stopped running and never surrendered control of the middle of the park. Hawkins was magnificent at centre half, with John-Joe O’Toole very impressive alongside him on his first start for the Stags and his first start for anyone for 6 months. Hewitt and McLaughlin were terrific at full back, and Bishop, with surprisingly little to do, made one tremendous save. After 12 League games without a win, 14 in League and Cup, the Stags have roared back with that 2-0 win over Tranmere last week in an excellent performance, and an ever better performance today. The Stags are looking like the side I expected them to be this season. Now we need to keep this level of performance up and climb away from the relegation zone in League Two. Before that though, there is an EFL Trophy game against Newcastle U21 on Tuesday night at the One Call Stadium. It will be an opportunity for Will Forrester to show what he can do at centre half, also the likes of James Clarke, Ryan Burke, Keaton Ward, Jason Law, Tyrese Sinclair, Jordan Bowery, and George Shelvey will want to prove he is better than he has shown in the previous two matches in this competition. If you’re not going to the game (kick off 7.45), you can buy a match pass to watch the game with us on iFollow Stags. By the way, you can also buy a match pass to watch the next league game on iFollow, away to Stevenage on Saturday, as it falls on an international weekend. DETAILED REPORT : It was great that Stags fans had an opportunity to visit the Stadium of Light after missing out last season. The Stags fans were positioned behind the goal high up in the stand. Around 1300 Stags fans. As at Sunday morning, the full attendance at the game still hasn’t been announced by Sunderland. I can’t ever remember that happening at a game before. Update - later announced as 8,620. It was a windy day, though the very high stands reduced the effect of the wind on the game. Mansfield made two changes from the side that beat Tranmere. John-Joe O’Toole came in for Farrend Rawson in central defence for his first start in a Stags shirt. After the game, Nigel Clough told BBC Radio Nottingham: "We were worried losing Faz (Rawson) today. His wife's having a baby. Things like that, it's very important that he's there. It was between Will Forrester and JJ (O'Toole) (who replaced him), but we went with JJ because of his experience.” And George Lapslie returned from suspension to replace Danny Johnson. Clough said afterwards: "We were trying to work a way to get Danny Johnson in the side. But we needed 5 across the midfield, the energy and the legs of those and Oatesey up top. I thought the balance was about right today. It meant moving Stephen Quinn a bit wider than his usual position. It worked well, we broke up their play and broke with an intent.” It was a 4-5-1 formation with Oates up front, and Charsley (right), Lapslie, Ollie Clarke, Maris, Quinn (left) across midfield. Stephen McLaughlin was fit to start at left back after going off with a hamstring problem against Tranmere. Elliott Hewitt was also also fit to start at right back. Nigel Clough had said in midweek that he was “a doubt for the Sunderland game. He is carrying a foot injury at the moment.” O’Toole was alongside Hawkins in central defence. No Kellan Gordon on the bench. Clough said afterwards: "Kellan Gordon felt his knee yesterday after training. He just cleared one and he's not quite 100% yet. With 5-6 months of the season to go, we've got to get him right so he'll probably have an injection in it, that'll settle it down we hope and we'll see how he is in a couple of weeks time. With Elliott being fit and with James Clarke on the bench, it seems sensible to sort it once and for all." The Stags could name 9 subs for an FA Cup tie (5 could be used on 3 occasions plus half time). Sunderland made six changes from their game on Tuesday. They are Carabao Cup quarter-finalists and 5th placed in League One with nearly an average of two points per game, but losing their last two games conceding 5 and 3 goals respectively at Rotherham and Sheffield Wednesday had put manager Lee Johnson under pressure from fans. Probably because he was under pressure, he made fewer changes to the side than many local pundits expected, keeping half of their side from their previous match, and making further changes at half time bringing on four more first team regulars, plus a fifth later on. Ross Stewart (leading scorer) and Aidan McGeady didn’t feature, Stewart injured and McGeady “needing some fitness work” according to Johnson. With the Stags 20th in League Two with less than an average of one point per game, the Stags had to be huge underdogs despite winning here last season. The Stags were positive from the start, trying to close Sunderland down and pressing them back in their own half. The Stags took the lead after just 6 minutes. Although it was a gift, it came from Mansfield trying to close down Sunderland’s back line as they played it around at the back, and keeper Lee Burge’s clearance was charged down by Harry Charsley on the edge of the area. It fell for Rhys Oates who was able to take aim and place his shot from 18 yards into the net off the inside of the left post. A good finish from Oates. I’m giving Charsley an assist in my running tally of stats for the season (see below). The goal came right in front of the visiting 1300 Stags fans, what a moment for them after the side played here last season behind closed doors. A free kick for the Stags after 14 minutes from level with the edge of the area, but Quinn’s delivery was cleared. A minute later at the other end Cirkin crossed from the left beyond the far post and it was just too high for Dajaku who could only head well over and wide. Then a cross from Dajaku was claimed by Bishop. After 21 minutes, Oates was tripped about a foot outside the corner of the area on the left. McLaughlin’s free kick was poor though and didn’t beat the first man. Great tracking back by Maris after 24 minutes to stop Broadhead breaking. After 27 minutes, Lapslie set Charsley away into the area and his low shot with just the keeper to beat was inches wide of the left post. A good break by Oates and Quinn to win a corner after 30 minutes. Poor refereeing after 32 minutes. Maris got past a defender to go clear in the area on the left but the referee pulled it back for a foul a split second earlier. If he had waited that split second he could have played advantage. From the resulting free kick, McLaughlin’s delivery came out to Lapslie, who teed up Charsley for a shot which was miles over the bar. Great football from the Stags after 34 minutes as Lapslie found Charsley who got into the area but overran the ball through to the keeper. The home side really had just one opportunity in the first half, on 42 minutes, as Dajaku got to the byline on the right, chipped in a cross and Broadhead’s header was superbly saved by Bishop. Then on 43 minutes, Oates got to the byline on the left and his low cross came to Lapslie whose goalbound shot was deflected just over the bar. The Stags came even closer from the resulting corner, taken by Quinn from the left, as Hawkins rose highest to head against the bar. Good defending from Hawkins at the other end on 44 minutes as he put Dajaku’s cross behind for a corner. At the other end again on 45 minutes great solo play from Oates to win a corner. But the corner was too close to the keeper who caught it. A superb performance from the Stags in the first half, really taking the game to Sunderland, and the Stags should have been more than 1-0 ahead. Half time 0-1 Sunderland made four changes at half time bringing on four more first team regulars. And by the time O’Nien came on later, this was close to their strongest team less Stewart and McGeady (injured and needing more fitness work respectively). Hewitt was booked for a foul after 48 minutes. By the way, note that yellow cards in the FA Cup do not count towards the totting up for a league suspension. Oates was blocked off 30 yards from goal by Wright, who was also booked, a minute later. On 50 minutes, George Maris’s free kick from the right reached McLaughlin on the left and his first time shot flew just wide. At the other end after 51 minutes, Lynden Gooch played inside to Dan Neil who sliced a shot just wide of the right post on the half volley from 20 yards. Then on 58 minutes, Charsley got into the area on the right and his cross found Quinn who fired over the bar. Charsley was booked for a late tackle after 60 minutes. Mansfield made their first change after 63 minutes as Bowery replaced Oates who limped off. He had been magnificent on his own up front. Great play from Lapslie to buy a free kick after 69 minutes. The Sunderland fans were voicing their frustration. After 74 minutes, Elliot Embleton chipped in a cross from the right and Carl Winchester tamely looped a header onto the roof of the net. Ollie Clarke was booked for a foul after 79 minutes. Stephen Quinn was then also booked for trying to insist where the free kick should be taken from. Hawkins headed away the resulting free kick. He’d been brilliant at centre half. The game could have been out of sight but into the final 10 minutes and finally Sunderland put the Stags under some pressure and created a couple of chances. After 82 minutes, Elliott Hewitt did well to block a shot from Corry Evans on the line after a cross from the right by Carl Winchester was turned goalwards by Evans at the far post from 10 yards. A minute later Bishop pushed a header wide from Broadhead which seemed to already be going wide after a cross from Neil. Then Broadhead headed over from an impossible angle. Sinclair replaced Lapslie after 84 minutes. There was one final near-miss for Sunderland after 90+1 minutes as Dan Neil smacked a shot against the crossbar from 12 yards. It was a stroke of luck for the Stags, but one they more than deserved, having hit the bar themselves in the first half and created more clearcut chances than the home side. Then Sunderland sent a free kick from wide on the right over the bar after a McLaughlin foul. A final change for the Stags on 90+4 minutes as Will Forrester came on for his Stags debut, in place of Charsley. Great celebrations at the final whistle as the Stags players were able to celebrate with the magnificent travelling fans who provided tremendous vocal support for their side throughout the game, and dragged the players through that last 10 minutes when Sunderland finally put the Stags under some pressure. No doubt that the Stags deserved it. Indeed after the game, Sunderland boss Lee Johnson conceded: “overall you have to say that Mansfield deserved it.” Man of the match: Rhys Oates Here’s a running tally of various stats this season: Goals: Hawkins, Johnson 4, Oates 3, Lapslie 2, O.Clarke, Hewitt, Maris, Quinn 1 Assists: Oates, Quinn 3, O.Clarke, McLaughlin, 2, Bowery, Charsley, Hawkins, Johnson, Rawson, Sinclair 1 (note: in the case of a penalty, the player who earns the penalty gets an assist. In the case of a solo goal, such as Maris against Newport, nobody gets an assist.) |
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Report by: Martin Shaw at the Stadium of Light
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Line Up:
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(4-5-1)
Bishop 7 Surprisingly little to do, but made one tremendous save. Hewitt 8 Terrific at full back. One crucial block in the final 10 minutes. O’Toole 8 Very impressive alongside Hawkins on his first start for the Stags and his first start for anyone for 6 months. Hawkins 9 Magnificent at centre half. One header against the bar. McLaughlin 8 Terrific at full back. Charsley 8 Deserves to be credited with the assist for the goal for persistent pressing of the Sunderland back line. One great chance when he fired wide, and had a couple of other opportunities. Finishing could be better. Lapslie 8 Teed up Charsley three times. Terrific game, and like Charsley often pressing the back line. Unlucky to have a shot deflected over the bar. O.Clarke 7 Solid game. Maris 7.5 Some great tracking back. Would have been through on goal on one occasion if the referee had played advantage. Quinn 8 Some great play wide on the left. Good corner for Hawkins’ header against the bar. Oates 9 Magnificent up front on his own, causing the home side plenty of problems. Took his goal clinically. |
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Sub Line Up:
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Bowery (for Oates, 63 mins) - Did well. Headed away one cross.
Sinclair (for Lapslie, 84 mins) - Forrester (for Charsley, 90+4 mins) - On for his Stags debut. Subs not used: Shelvey, J.Clarke, Burke, Ward, Law, Johnson. |
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Opposition Line Up:
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(4-2-3-1): Burge; Alves (Winchester, 46), Flanagan (Doyle, 46), Wright, Cirkin (O’Nien, 71); Evans, Neil; Dajaku (Pritchard, 46), Embleton, O’Brien (Gooch, 46); Broadhead. Subs not used: Hoffman; Taylor, Younger, Harris.
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Referee:
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James Oldham 7 Mostly handled the game well. One poor piece of refereeing when he didn’t play advantage.
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