MANSFIELD TOWN v EASTWOOD COMMUNITY (22-09-18) Both teams began the day with an identical record, suggesting an evenly matched contest ahead. From the whistle, this quickly proved to be a half whereby this was not going to be the case. Eastwood quickly found their stride and forced an early save from Isaac. Their powerful, offensive play was a shock to the system for Mansfield who struggled to get a foothold in the game. With only six minutes elapsed, Mansfield found themselves a goal down. A ball swung over from left to right deceived Rowan and a free kick for handball was conceded on the edge of the box. A bullet of a free kick bypassed the Mansfield wall and sailed into the net leaving Isaac with little chance of a save. Boosted by their early lead, Eastwood set about Mansfield with a plan to deny them space with their hard pressing style, whilst still able to move the ball into spaces that were being created. Mansfield tried hard to keep possession and enforce their passing style, but Eastwood clearly had a team that were not going to allow this. Despite finding it difficult to get out of their own half at times, Mansfield did force a few chances of their own. Natty’s blocked effort fell to Josh who was unable to get a shot away as a tackle came in. Alex managed to find Josh again down the channels – drawing a foul and free kick which unfortunately came to nothing. It looked as if Mansfield were settling into the game with Callum F producing some great tackles to try and stem the Eastwood flow from midfield. Lewis N and Callum F combined well for a ball over the top and return but the chance was denied by an Eastwood last-ditch tackle. Eastwood almost made it 2:0 when a failed penalty appeal resulted in a loose ball being double blocked by Isaac and Lewis H-S on the line. Taking into account Eastwood’s first half dominance, it looked like Mansfield would head into the break to re-group with a respectable one- goal deficit. On 35 minutes however, that one-goal deficit doubled when a rasping shot from a similar position to the first goal, found the back of Mansfield’s net again to give Eastwood a commanding 2:0 lead at half time. Mansfield knew that after the re-start, they would have to somehow find a way back into the game if they were to avoid a second league defeat. The ‘game of two halves’ became evident immediately from the referee’s whistle. An increase in tempo and urgency quickly allowed Mansfield to play Eastwood at their own first half game. Pressing began to pay-off as Eastwood were forced into errors and loss of possession in key areas. Spurred on by this, belief returned to the Mansfield players as they went in search of something to salvage from the match. Jacob came off his line to deny Eastwood with what would have been an inevitable third and ultimately match winning goal. Several fouls on Morgan brought about a Mansfield free kick on the edge of the box, which skimmed over the Eastwood defender’s head for a corner. A much better positive response now from Mansfield. Another Eastwood break was foiled by Callum W with some great defending. Caolan found Lucas whose shot agonisingly fizzed across the Eastwood goal. Chasing, closing down and regaining a passing style – Mansfield sensed a goal was on the cards. On 66 minutes, Mansfield got the goal that their second half performance had deserved. Caolan picked the ball up on the edge of the box and managed to weave himself towards goal before his controlled effort finished low into the Eastwood keeper’s bottom left corner. This goal was the least that Mansfield deserved as they now looked to press home their own spell of dominance. Morgan turned and released a low hard drive. Further chances fell to both sides in the latter stages as Mansfield’s fitness looked to be paying off. With neither team able to find another goal, the match ended with a 2:1 win for Eastwood Community. Full Time: MANSFIELD TOWN (1) v EASTWOOD COMMUNITY (2) As far as games go, this certainly was ‘a game of two halves’ for Mansfield Town. A first half of ‘backs to the wall’ pressure and few scoring chances; contrasted with a second half of grit, determination and spirit. A far greater amount of belief and desire to match Eastwood, brought about more goal-scoring opportunities that this Mansfield Town side are used to creating. Next week, Mansfield make the trip to Selston and attempt to secure their second win of the season.
