5-0 by half-time, then Stags ease up

On Saturday 24th January 1981, the Stags played host to Port Vale at Field Mill in Division IV. A breathtaking first half performance saw the Stags 5-0 ahead by half time, and the second half was something of an anti-climax as there were no further goals.

Stags took the lead after seven minutes when full back Ian Wood thumped home right-footed from six yards. Seven minutes later, Dave Caldwell scored with a shot in off the post. Then after 24 minutes, Wood scored his second, out-jumping keeper Mark Harrison to head home following an accurate free kick by Les McJannet. It was 4-0 after 31 minutes when Caldwell scored a memorable goal collecting a cross from winger Brian Thomson, controlling it superbly, and shooting home powerfully with his right foot. John McClelland completed the first half rout after 39 minutes as he thumped in a rebound after Caldwell had been denied by a goal-line clearance.

In the second half, Caldwell, Jim Lumby and Arthur Mann were all within inches of adding to the scoreline. It was a bad day for former Stags winger Johnny Miller who was taken off by Port Vale at half-time and replaced by a defender in an effort to keep the score down. Vale also included in their line-up the Chamberlain brothers, Mark and Neville, who were later to turn out for England and Mansfield respectively.

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