As Saturday called, I found myself living the life of an armchair supporter, Stuck at work and watching the scores coming in, I must say "This isn't what Saturdays are made for".
Early doors, and a small number of fine young casuals make the start of their long journey to the valleys of Newport.
"Pretty much as soon as we got to Newport we were rounded up by the bill and put in a poxy little boozer near the ground"
So after a small wander around gets cut short by the local Heddlu, the day for travelling rapscallions is all but over.
Reports suggest that due to last seasons festivities the Local constabulary were hot on their heels for any sign of travelling rogues.
No sign of the natives, however, I'm not prepared to comment on this as they have proved they are a game bunch when drawn away from their livestock.
Match report
"Sam Clucas' equaliser earned Mansfield Town a point in this full blooded clash with Newport County at Rodney Parade"
The view from the terraces -
A very heated game with challenges flying in that would have matched Roy Keane in his Alfe-Inge Haaland phase.
Late on in the first half, Newport struck first with a close range header from a dubious corner with the ball spotted half a yard outside of the corner arc. Needless to say, poor defending by our boys but I thought the low level officiating was left behind in the newly named Skrill Premier...
Mansfield then came on strong like we have done so often this season around the half time mark missing three clear cut chances.
The second half began with some very scrappy football being played by both teams,
The stags got their breakthrough with a corner whipped in by Ben Hutchinson who for me is showing some of his former champions league class, flicked on by the man mountain Matt Rhead to be turned in by the head of Sam Clucas for the second game consecutively, to send the 200+ travelling fans into raptures.
The equalising goal got the backs up of both home players and fans alike, again the challenges got more robust and a deserved red card was given to Lee Minsull for a blatant elbow to the face of Martin Riley.
Shortly after, talismanic Mansfield striker Matt Rhead - after a lot of provocation from the newport faithful - received his second bookable offence for a "late challenge" even though no contact was actually made.
It's well documented that the officials have a hard time of it west of the border and yet another has crumbled to the welsh pressure and lost his bottle resulting in Matt Rhead being banned for our game against York City.
Both teams went on to have chances but neither side could seal the game with a winning goal.
A fair result maybe? an unfair Mansfield dismissal definitely.
Mansfield young casuals man of the match goes to Chris Clements.
MSE
No comments:
Post a Comment