MTFC v RADCLIFFE OLYMPIC RED (15-09-18) Putting last weekend’s disappointing defeat behind them, Mansfield Town looked to secure their first home win of the new campaign against Radcliffe Olympic Red. Perhaps buoyed by the fact that Radcliffe were an even match-up in terms of height and physique, Mansfield set about instilling their fluent passing style right from the referee’s first whistle. The quality of quick passing through the lines soon brought about the first attack, which resulted in a Radcliffe goal kick. Radcliffe, with their own attempts to let the ball do the work, were also trying to stamp their authority on the game during the early exchanges. However, it was Mansfield who were starting dominate the play with numerous chances being created from all over the pitch. Lewis N’s corner found Josh who in turn played in Lucas on the far side. His shot was cleared to George D who also found his attempt blocked by a Radcliffe defender. The signs were clear that this could be a game which could provide dividends for Mansfield, with their ability to use the channels to good effect. Natty, George D and Sam N were seeing plenty of ball in midfield to allow Lewis N and Lucas space out wide to set Josh free at every opportunity. A ball over the top from Sam set Lucas free – hoping to give Mansfield an early lead- but thwarted by a last ditch tackle. A series of corners put pressure on Radcliffe, notably a header over the top from Lewis H-S and an excellent steal and drive by Sam, who’s effort cannoned off the Radcliffe cross bar. Radcliffe did try and cause Mansfield’s defence problems by getting the ball into advanced positions. Jacob’s calm distribution in goal, played out to combinations of Alex, Lewis H-S, Callum W and Rowan were quickly able to stifle their play and turn defence into attack. Radcliffe’s formation began to allow Mansfield plenty of space to exploit with Alex and Callum W taking advantage of this with drives deep into the final third. Josh, fouled by the defender, continued his run and pulled back for Lewis N whose shot went agonisingly over the bar. Callum W weaved his way into the box and again, denied by a ‘so far’ resolute Radcliffe rearguard. Mansfield made a number of changes on 20 minutes but their offensive approach remained. A lovely interchange of play between Natty, George D, Morgan and Callum F forced yet another Mansfield corner. Once into the game George F began to pick up the ball and spread play. Surely it was only going to be a matter of time before Mansfield opened the scoring? It was on 32 minutes that the opening goal for Mansfield came. In somewhat more of a direct fashion, Morgan-from inside his own half-provided an inch perfect through ball over the top for Josh to latch onto. With still plenty to do, he calmly rounded the keeper. Despite the acute angle he found the bottom corner or the net for a fine finish and a fully deserved 1:0 lead. Unlike last week, could Mansfield take this slender lead into the interval? Within a couple of minutes from the re-start this looked unlikely. Radcliffe managed to move the ball forward catching Mansfield in that ‘vulnerable straight from scoring’ scenario. With the referee spotting a push in the back in the box, a penalty was duly awarded. The Radcliffe striker stepped up and slotted the ball hard and low to Jacob’s left to make it 1:1. Smarting from Radcliffe’s equaliser, Mansfield seized the initiative again in an attempt to restore their lead. Within three minutes of Radcliffe’s equaliser, Mansfield were able to restore that lead with an exquisitely crafted team goal. Josh played in Callum F whose stunning cross evaded everyone apart from the on-rushing Morgan who brilliantly placed a controlled volley over the head of the Radcliffe keeper to make it 2:1 to Mansfield at half time. After the break, Mansfield’s patient play in possession continued and soon attempts on goal were being created once more. First Sam went close with a shot that went just wide. Callum F again forced the issue and earned a free kick in a dangerous position. Caolan’s lofted ball just too high for Lucas at the back post. With Isaac now taking charge of goalkeeping duties and organising his defence, Mansfield again began to play through the lines once more into advanced positions. Another ball over the top from Morgan sent Lewis N on his way. His shot was blocked back into the path of Morgan who was able to force a corner. From the resulting corner, Rowan, on the edge of the box tried to curl a shot just past the keeper’s left hand post. Momentum was well and truly with Mansfield now. On 48 minutes Mansfield did extend their lead with a super solo goal from the impressive Morgan Boyle, to give him his second goal of the game. A great assist by Lewis N allowed Morgan to impose his strength and pace on the Radcliffe defender and out-muscle him for a one on one with the advancing keeper. A ‘cool as you like’ strike making it 3:1 to the hosts. It felt like further goals would follow; particularly when Morgan raced through again from a through ball from Sam. This time the keeper made a save to deny Morgan a greatly deserved hat-trick. Radcliffe continued to create a few near misses of their own-letting Mansfield know that they weren’t yet dead and buried. This became evident on 67 minutes when a defensive lapse in concentration by Mansfield gifted Radcliffe a goal from nowhere. This certainly inspired Radcliffe into pushing hard for another equaliser. In the closing stages chances came and went at both ends of the pitch. Lewis N, Josh and Callum F went close for Mansfield whilst Rowan had to make two last-ditch slide tackles in defence. To their credit, Radcliffe piled pressure on the Mansfield defence, sensing that they were still capable of snatching an away point from the game. At the death, two excellent chances fell their way but they were denied by Isaac and his determined backline. In what had seemingly looked like being a more comfortable scoreline earlier in the game, Mansfield hung on to secure their first league win of the season. Full Time: MTFC (3) v RADCLIFFE OLYMPIC RED (2) A result which was a contrast in fortune to last week’s defeat against Beeston. A positive, first win has given the boys a confidence boost which they will now take into next Saturday’s match. Mansfield Town will host Eastwood Community, who currently have an identical record of one win and one defeat to date. It should promise to be an interesting encounter.
