NOTTINGHAM EDUCATION v MTFC (19-01-19) Before the start of play, five league places and seventeen points separated the two teams which may have suggested that a result in Mansfield’s favour would be a mere formality. This clearly did not prove to be the case as the early exchanges between the two teams were very evenly matched. Mansfield forced a succession of early corners which failed to bring about the early goal, with Nottm. Ed. defending resolutely. Since the two sides last met, today’s opponents had recruited a few additional players and were determined to not let Mansfield have their own way in this tie. Maybe due to a little complacency, this prevented Mansfield from settling into the match in the way that they would have liked to. However, Mansfield did begin to carve out a few notable chances in an attempt to open the scoring. Alex’s through ball to Callum F was thwarted by good defensive play. A Lewis H-S free kick allowed Sam to turn- but his effort went wide of the post. Nottm Ed. themselves, showed some good attacking intention but the defence of Lewis H-S, Alex, Callum W and Rowan held firm in front of Jacob’s goal. Another Mansfield defensive clearance found Rowan out wide. His cross into the box resulted in a header just wide. On 11 minutes, Mansfield did find the back of the net. A free kick from Sam, eventually falling to George F, who was able to slot the ball home with his left foot. Un-phased by going a goal down, Nottm Ed. still tried to stay in the game with a series of attacks of their own, particularly orchestrated by No 16-their impressive midfielder. On 28 mins, Mansfield were able to double their lead with a Josh M. strike. A ball in from George D caused all sorts of problems in the Nottm. Ed. back line which allowed Josh to stroke home the decisive last touch. Almost instantly, Nottm. Ed found themselves with an opportunity to reduce the arrears with a free kick on the edge of the Mansfield box. A decent effort that Jacob was able to see comfortably clear his bar. Soon after, another great cross from George D fell to Natty but his effort was cleared off the line. Now Callum W and Lewis N were finding space to link together in the wide areas and allowing Caolan to deliver balls into the box. Out on the left the link up continued with Rowan and George D. George found Lewis N who in turn found Rowan, but again-was unable to adjust his body to increase the lead. After the restart, Mansfield looked to put the result beyond doubt. Nottm. Ed. showed that they were a team that were clearly going to make life difficult for Mansfield until the final whistle. They started the second half brightly and carved out some good passages of play that would have resulted in a goal, had it not been for some un-clinical finishing. Morgan began to take the game to Nottm Ed. with a series of drives through the lines with his power and pace. As the half wore on he found himself with lots of space to exploit out on the right. His numerous deliveries into the danger areas were outstanding-inviting Lewis H-S on a number of occasions to score with his head, but unfortunately was unable to. Rowan’s ball over the top to Morgan also brought about another great defensive challenge to keep the scoreline at 2:0. Another free kick from Rowan found the head of Callum F-but his back header fell into the arms of the Nottm. Ed. keeper. The last twenty minutes of the second half saw Mansfield dominate play in their usual style, as Nottm. Ed. began to tire after all their exerts to stay in the game. Sam’s delivery nearly brought Mansfield their third goal, but again Lewis H-S’s effort cannoned off the bar. With ten minutes remaining, Mansfield’s dominance was finally rewarded with the third and final goal of the match. Some great build-up play between George D, Sam and Morgan resulted in a fine ball around the back for Natty to score and seal the three points for Mansfield Town. Full Time: NOTTINGHAM EDUCATION (0) V MTFC (3) Despite an overall performance that fell short of the usual Mansfield Town high standard, this was all about the result that pushed Mansfield into a highly commendable second place in the league table. With no league game next weekend, Mansfield now head to North Wales on Sunday for an interesting academy fixture against Wrexham - before resuming league action away at Southwell City Sabres.
