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Season 08/09 Stagsnet Match Report
Blue Square Premier
Mansfield Town  
0 - 0
 Rushden & Diamonds
 
 
Attendance: 2028 (56 from Rushden)
 
Date: 27 January 2009

Report by guest reporter Kurt (smax)

The initial line ups came as no surprise, Curtis Woodhouse was omitted as part of a gentlemans agreement between the Stags and Rushden when he joined us. Diamonds and ex-Stags defender Gareth Jelleyman could only make the Rushden bench which was 50 yards more than he ran for us.

Mansfield began in positive fashion but it was Marriott who had to make the first save, picking out a easy cross cum shot from Robinson.

A dubious free kick was awarded on 10 minutes when Garner was unfairly adjudged to have tripped Cousins right on the edge of the box.

The initial Burgess free kick cannoned back off the wall and fortunately the Stags cleared the threat.

As the ball was cleared by Duffy O’Connor looked to have a clear run when he was cynically tripped by Osano! Had it been closer to goal I feel it would have been red! As it was 50 yrds I guess yellow was fair.

Mayo defending down the wing then had to concede a free kick wide on the left which Corcoran floated into the danger zone and Marriott left his line to get a confident punch away.

Diamonds forced the night's first corner which was poorly taken by Kelly, pulled back low and easily hacked away by O'Connor. The most exciting action in ages!

Duffy got a header onto a long Mayo through ball into the box, but it ran to the keeper before the incoming O'Connor could reach it,had he seen it he could have been closer!On the break a smooth pass let Robinson loose in the home box, however Matty Somner was still awake and slid in quickly to make an excellent tackle.

On 30 mins Jon D'Laryea had a great chance to score as Michael Blackwood cut back a great cross from nowhere to offer him a clear chance sten yards out but he missed the target completely to the dismay of the fans!.

Marriott then had to race the edge of his box to close down the incoming Rankine and block his attempted low finish.

It was all end to end but not very exciting as the half closed as O'Connor's ball released Blackwood down the left and his low cross towards the charging Briscoe at the far post was well cut out by the dive of the visiting keeper, probably the most energetic thing he had done in 45 mins.

After 40 minutes JD was again close. This time a flick on by Duffy from a Marriott clearance towards O'Connor who laid it back for D'Laryea to drill a shot that curled the wrong side of the angle.

On 44 mins Stags got their first corner, but it was easily taken by the keeper.

Stags had defended well, but it did not inspire, bring on the Bovril,or Carling!

An early second half corner which was taken short as Blackwood and O'Connor swapped passes and Blackwood then cut inside and found room for a fierce shot which was blocked.

Blackwood was the only man causing concern to the Rushden defenders at this stage.

After 53 minutes DH made the first changes, withdrawing Mayo (IMO class), dropping Blackwood back to left back, Briscoe pushed out to left wing and bringing on sub Ameobi to play wide right.

The excitement still didn’t increase for the fans as the game dwindled on.

Robinson went in hard on O'Connor near the corner flag on the hour and, although he won the ball, it was deemed a dangerous lunge and a card was shown.

O'Connor tried to break on 67 as he played a one-two with Duffy but the return was too far ahead of him.

Sam Smith replaced Rob Wolleaston on 69 minutes as the visitors looked for a spark.

Briscoe had the chance beat his man and get into the left hand side of the Rushden box in Mansfield's next attack and sent in a cross-cum-chip which ended up landing on the roof of the net.

Stags continued to probe and won a free kick wide on the right which produced another cracking cross from Blackwood as he curled it across to the far post where Garner was just unable to get to it.

Ameobi did well to trick his way past two defenders on the left and pull the ball back toward the looming O'Connor but, yet again, Osano was there to block.

Cousins lifted a loose ball over the Mansfield bar from 20 yards on 78 minutes as the sides continued to search for the opener.

Mackenzie replaced O'Connor 11 minutes from the end.

Unfortunately the match was a total let down and I feel that survival not entertainment is the managers charter!


Report by: Report by guest reporter Kurt (smax)



Line Up:
Marriott 5
Silk 6
Garner 6
Moses 5
Mayo 6
Briscoe 5
Somner 5
D'Laryea 6
Blackwood 6
O'Connor 6
Duffy 5
Players do not need comments on this performance! They did a job! End of!!!!
Sub Line Up:
Ameobi (for Mayo, 52) -
MacKenzie (for O'Connor, 78) -
Howell (for Briscoe, 86) -
Subs Not Used: Whatsize, Shaw.
Opposition Line Up:
Roberts, Robinson, Hope, Osano, Corcoran, Kelly, Wolleaston (Smith 68), Beecroft, Burgess, Cousins (McGuinness 85), Rankine. Subs Not Used: Day, Jelleyman, Broadbent.
Referee:
A Halliday (West Yorkshire) 8 Nothing to do!


Season 08/09 Reports