Swansea City
2nd October 1999
Swansea 0 - 1 Mansfield Town
Muggleton, Asher,
Roscoe, Richardson, Linighan, Williams, Blake, Clarke, Kerr, Lormor, Peacock.
Subs: Bowling, Bacon, Boulding, Disley, Gibbons.
Mansfield Town secured their first away victory of the season at Vetch Field this afternoon as Tony Lormor scored once more to allow Stags to bring back three points for the first time this year, as best I recall.
Mark Blake and David Kerr were recalled to the side after recovering from knocks but Stags were otherwise unchanged. The new positive attitude of the side was there for all to see and, for once, it was the midfield that came in for particular praise as they controlled the middle of the park for long periods. The game was quite evenly matched for the most part, however, and Mansfield had their fair share of defending to do as they pushed for the first away goal so far this campaign. In fact as the first half drew to a close it was Swansea who were doing most of the pressing and Stags had a few nervous moments before the whistle went to end a fairly uninspiring 45 minutes.
After the interval both sides attacked with more purpose as they sought to open the scoring - and several good chances were created, notably from Peacock. However, it was Tony LORMOR who eventually scored the deciding goal on 57 minutes - converting Williams cross to leave goalkeeper Freeman stranded.
Two successive wins, then, and a league placing of fifteenth surely dispel all fears (mine included) of a relegation battle. Dearden is starting to assemble a side that looks as though it can fight its way towards the playoffs and that is a wonderful statement to be able to make after the doom and gloom of the opening weeks. Up the Stags !