Cheltenham Town
14th August 1999
Mansfield 0 - 1 Cheltenham
Mansfield: Richardson, Hassell, Roscoe, Kerr,
Richardson, Linighan, Williams, Thomas, Lormor, Peacock, Tallon.
Subs: Allardyce, Boulding, Tye, Sisson, Blake.
A disappointing afternoon saw Mansfield Town lose out by the odd goal to the league 'newcomers'. Both sides were looking to get some points after losing both openers last weekend. Mansfield were further determined to make amends for a defeat against neighbours Forest in midweek and to score their first goal in competitive play.
It didn't go to plan, of course. A goal from GRAYSON in the 64th minute separated the sides at the end leaving Stags rooted in bottom place and morale apparently dropping. Whilst the side still doesn't have a coherent look to it and also seems to be in pre-season on the pitch, there was still more than enough on display to win this match. Cheltenham scored with their one serious attempt at goal in the second half just as it seemed that Mansfield, enjoying their best spell of the match, were sure to break their duck. But luck was not with them and things are starting to look a little ominous even at this early stage.
The visitors were a busy, committed outfit who took the three points when offered, but they do not appear to have the armoury to make any real impact in the division this season. The fact that Mansfield were, overall, the better side bears that out. Where that leaves Stags is not clear, but committed displays will eventually yield dividends even if only to lift the side to safety.
Of the match: Stags fielded a 4-4-2 formation but failed to make much impression on a first half spoiled somewhat by a downpour of rainforest proportions which didn't promote good play. Neither 'keeper was particularly busy although Lormor and Peacock had opportunities. The second half looked to be going Stags way before the Cheltenham goal ended a promising period where a goal for the home side started to look probable and Mansfield played some neat passing football.