After their final pre-season victory against Arnold Town, Mansfield Town embarked on their first competitive game in the Notts Youth League, with an away trip to Beeston. From the first whistle, both sides looked to impose themselves early in the game. A strong Beeston side attempted to apply physical dominance whilst Mansfield tried to nullify this threat with their slick passing style. Both teams settled well as they began to outwit each other, particularly in the midfield area. As Beeston’s attacks were being thwarted by a solid Mansfield back line, it was Mansfield who began to open up the game with some great direct play down Beeston’s left hand side. Quick, accurate passing had Josh set free on a number of occasions. Decent efforts on goal brought the Beeston keeper into action several times to deny Mansfield the lead. Mansfield did however break the deadlock on 17 minutes, with Natty scoring Mansfield’s first competitive goal of the new campaign. A fully deserved opener was once again created down Beeston’s left. A number of blocked shots finally found Natty who made no mistake in guiding the ball low and hard into the corner of the goal. Beeston’s response was immediate- rifling a shot high and wide of Mansfield’s goal. As the half wore on, both sides continued to create chances. Beeston adopted a ‘route one’ approach-balls over the top into space- for their pacy front line to latch onto. Clear warning signs that this was how they were going to attempt to draw level. Mansfield could easily have doubled their lead when an opportunistic shot from Josh forced the Beeston keeper into a magnificent save. Beeston continued to pile on the pressure in search of an equaliser and on 31 minutes it arrived. After a succession of corners, parity was restored with a firm Beeston header at the far post, finding the back of the net. A little harsh on Mansfield, who looked to be heading into the half time break on top. On 38 minutes, even heading into the interval all square disappeared, as unfortunate, defensive errors gifted Beeston a 2:1 lead at half time. Into the second half and Mansfield were again trying to get back into the game- forcing the issue by trying to keep possession, play a passing game and look for opportunities to penetrate the Beeston defence. However, Beeston-galvanised by their half time lead- were now in no mood to let Mansfield back into the match. Physical dominance again coupled with their direct approach play, continued to cause Mansfield problems. On 50 minutes their lead was extended to 3:1. From a free kick conceded in the middle of the park by Mansfield, Beeston found their way through on goal to smash in their third of the game. 3:1 became 4:1 just after the hour mark. Pressure down Mansfield’s left brought about a cross which was inadvertently turned into his own goal by Alex. Despite the tie being effectively over, Mansfield-to their credit- kept going in search of a more respectable scoreline. Caolan’s speculative attempt hit the crossbar with Rowan unable to put away the resulting rebound. Sam’s drive towards the Beeston goal brought about a free kick on the edge of the box, which was charged down by the solid Beeston wall. The respectable scoreline that Mansfield searched for, came on 77 minutes. Sam again surged forward and released Josh on the far side. His shot-cum-cross (We’ll have to ask him!!!) looped over the Beeston keeper and into the far corner of his net for a consolation Mansfield goal. Full Time: Beeston (4) v Mansfield Town (2) A disappointing defeat which will no doubt allow Ash, Nigel and the boys to reflect on the positives to be taken from the game and the areas in which to improve upon. Putting aside decisions by the match official - which were contributory factors - the experience will stand them in good stead for similar types of games throughout the season. We go again next weekend against Radcliffe Olympic Red
