The Tigers crashed to their first League defeat of the season tonight, being hammered by Mansfield and ending up on the end of a flattering 4-2 scoreline. The Stags could easily have put 6 past us, as they were simply the better team, seemingly playing out of their skin, while we played awful. There were too many errors, not nearly enough effort or closing down of their players, meaning they could control the game from the get go and the frightening sight of our defence looking all at sea for the first time in virtually 2 years, unable to cope with Mansfield's balls over the top on many occasions. Their forwards got in through the middle and their wingers down the flanks far, far too many times. Craig Dinsley put the home side ahead on 33 minutes with a header from a Liam Lawrence cross at the start of a nightmare 8 minute spell for City. Almost immediately following the restart, Bobby Hassell volleyed home the Stags' second after seeing his initial effort saved from Matt Glennon when through on goal. And Stuart Reddington made it three on 40 minutes, heading home from a corner. City came out fired up after the break, and took the game to the home side for a spell, finally scoring when Gary Alexander netted from close range after a Julian Johnsson header bounced off the post. But just as a comeback seemed possible the 3 goal deficit was restored. David Beresford lost the ball to Chris Greenacre whilst attempting to shepherd it out for a goal kick and the Stags leading scorer made no mistake, firing past Glennon from inside the area. City did manage a consolation goal, however, when sub Michael Reddy pulled one back for the Tigers with 5 minutes to go. Fellow sub Rob Matthews crossed from the left, the ball was sliced back at Kevin Pilkington by a Mansfield defender and as he could not hold it, Reddy took full advantage from close range, slamming the ball in to the top corner of the net.
So, a disastrous display. Not mentioned here are the numerous chances Mansfield had in between the goals, with City's defence getting cut open by the balls over the top, combined with the pace of the attackers and wingers. Matt Glennon had to make many good saves as on numerous occasions Stags players charged in to the box either from out wide (The second goal for instance) or straight through the middle, with our back line unable to pick them up and our midfield not putting pressure on the passes. The players as a whole did not close down the opposition enough at all, and did not seem as determined and gritty in the tackle or in the air as their counterparts. Too many mistakes were also made, with the third goal as a case in point. Simply, Mansfield played very well, passing and moving brilliantly. Had we played well too, we could have easily come away with a point at least. But with such a poor performance, combined with the Stags' very impresive one (as I said, helped by our lack of pressure to them), there was to be only one outcome. |
