by Tippy Tappy Football » Tue Jul 13, 2021 10:53 pm
An enjoyable evening watching live football which was the first live football I've seen since Northampton away in March 2020. The Stags looked a lot sharper than normal for the first friendly of the season. They tried to play at a fast tempo throughout and inevitably Retford tired towards the end. Retford had to play their U21 keeper and were struggling to put a team together due to injuries. They battled well though and had two very good chances to score which they did not take.
Stephen McLaughlin was excellent in the first half. Top quality.
Great strike from 30-35 yards by Oli Hawkins into the top bins for the first goal.
Stephen Quinn is a brilliant competitor who wants to win everything. Scored the second goal with a slight deflection taking it past the keeper.
Started the game with Grimsby Town's centre half pairing of Rollin Menayese and Elliott Hewitt although swapped over with Elliott Hewitt playing on the left. Was this being done to give Elliott Hewitt practice at left centre half so he can play alongside Farrend Rawson? I liked the way Elliott Hewitt brought the ball out of defence.
Flashes of electric pace from Kellan Gordon.
Great finishing from Danny Johnson who loves a first time shot on his left foot.
Tyrese Sinclair was full of confidence and looks top quality. We will probably get a big offer for him if he plays in the first team on a regular basis. Two goals, an assist and hit the crossbar with a great free kick. Local Donny fans watching the game were raving about him.
Jimmy Knowles looked sharp.
Nathan Caine looks like he's grown another foot and could be another good prospect.
George Cooper looked good at the back.
Corey O'Keeffe is a very good attacking full back who was the first to walk off the pitch on his own at the end. I felt sorry for him. It must be really hard to play knowing that you are not wanted. We should play him in the pre-season friendlies as he will definitely attract offers.
1st Half:
Owen Mason
Kellan Gordon, Rollin Menayese, Elliott Hewitt, Stephen McLaughlin
Harry Charsley, Ollie Clarke, George Lapslie, Stephen Quinn
Oli Hawkins, Danny Johnson
After Subs
Owen Mason/?
Corey O'Keeffe, James Clarke, George Cooper, Jayden Charles
Tyrese Sinclair, Keaton Ward, Ethan Hill, George Scott
Nathan Caine, Jimmy Knowles
Did Not Play: George Shelvey, Nathan Bishop (with Man Utd), Marek Stech, James Perch, Farrend Rawson, Ryan Burke, George Maris, Jason Law, Jordan Bowery, Rhys Oates, Josh Scott (injured)