Well, another quite fortuitous 3 points. I thought Mansfield deserved at least a point from that game. But who cares.
The game was quite notable in one aspect. On 25 minutes I realised for the first time that Callum McFadzean was playing. I was genuinely unaware of that until then. It was he who was pivotal in our win as it transpired.
Mansfield dominated the first half with some nice football. It was a bit like the Oxford game with us not doing much but scoring just before half time. Callum got the ball in midfield on the right, beat a few players and spread it out to Big Mac on the left. It was down the other end but what was either a shot or a cross was deflected in - wrong footing their keeper. An own goal for sure.
In to the second half and on a break Robbie Weir was put through with a 50/50 with their keeper. The ball ran loose for Callum to pass it in to an empty net.
The Stags goal looked like a mistake by McLaughlin racing out for one that was nodded in to an empty net. It was down the other end though so I will need to see it again.
Big Mac hit the bar, Robbie Weir got sent off and we clung on for 3 points.
Darren Drysdale is normally an excellent referee but he didn't have a good game today at all. He was very inconsistent in his decision making.
A very loud and raucous Brewers following. I am surprised there were not more there given that Mansfield is only an hour away.
Stags 1 Brewers 2
posted on 31/8/14
Otep,
As you probably know I have friends who watch the stags regularly.
To me my friend that was not nice football they playy.
It was hoof ball to Rhead looking for a knock on.
That's the only way they play.
That's the reason with 600 brewers there the attendance didn't pass 3000.
Everyone I spoke to expected them too lose.
I even backed us too win.
They are a very physical side and I thought we stood up pretty well to that.
Having just watched the football league show the Weir sending off was a joke.
The referee should have blown for a nasty foul by Murray.
He didn't blow which allowed McGuire to go through Weir.
If you watch carefully you can clearly see McGuire stamp on Weir.
That's when the melee started.McGuire retreated , Weir followed him and confronted him but didn't head butt him.
The referee also missed a punch by Riley.
It was a great result because a few seasons ago we would have lost a game like this.
Onwards and upwards for the brewers.
Hope this post proves to a few on here where my allegiance is.
posted on 31/8/14
Otep,
Regarding how many brewers travelled.
I think Derby being at home had something to do with that.
If they had been away I think we would have had a few more.
Must agree that atmosphere was awesome.
posted on 1/9/14
GR and KS got the tactics spot on, play them at there own game. The ref lost all control of the game in the last 20 mins of the game " dire ".
I think Mansfield are going to get quite a few cards over the season if they carry on playing this thug kind of football.
Next up a big TV game on Sunday against Portsmouth,
Bring it on.