A good point away at the Mazuma Stadium midweek saw spirits slightly lifted in the Mansfield camp. It will be a true test of character whether the Stags can build on it against Cheltenham this weekend.
The Stags recorded a well-earned point away midweek and what makes it even better is that it’s a high-flying Morecambe that they recorded it against.
It started poorly from the Stags as Adam Phillips was able to get on the score sheet for the Shrimps only three minutes into the game.
A combination of Kellan Gordon and Harry Charlsey gave the amber and blues the equaliser. Gordon’s low cross was cheekily flicked on by Charsley who saw his effort beat Jake Turner and end up in the back of the net.
Arguably, Stephen McLaughlin should have been sent off for a Kung-Fu kick on John O’Sullivan, but got away with it and was only shown a yellow card after the challenge.
The score stayed the same throughout the rest of the first-half and second-half as good chance from both teams were either saved by the goalkeepers or narrow of the goal.
Mansfield must see the massive danger ahead when they face Cheltenham at the weekend though. The Robins have been in rampant form and especially with the game being played at the Jonny Rocks Stadium a thumping could be incoming.
Cheltenham Town were also in action midweek as they took on Scunthorpe United at the same venue.
The game itself wasn’t filled with much action as the Robins slightly dominated the game in possession and in shots on target with the Robins having triple as many that Scunthorpe had on the night.
A penalty from Reuben Reid in the fifth minute more or less settled the game and wrapped up yet another three points for the promotion-chasing Cheltenham.
Last season, Cheltenham completed the double against Mansfield Town beating the Stags at the One Call Stadium and at the Jonny Rocks Stadium.
The first encounter last season came back in December 2019 at the One Call Stadium. The Stags recorded zero shots on target that afternoon as they were humiliated 3-0 by Cheltenham.
Jonte Smith opened the scoring just after the half-hour mark and the score would stay like this at half-time. Will Boyle made it two for the Robins as Alex Addai set the scoreline at 3-0 with four minutes to go in the match.
In the return fixture, it was more of an even game between the two sides as Mansfield held their own against last season’s Play-Off semi-finalists.
Reid’s goal in the 65th minute was the goal that separated the teams that afternoon and saw Cheltenham a step closer to the Play-Offs and Mansfield closer to the bottom of the table.
The Stags are still without a win in seven League Two games this season and desperately need one if they want to get their season underway.
They have only managed to get four points out of the seven games and currently sit in 22nd in League Two.
On the other hand, Cheltenham have won five out of their seven games in the league and are flying near the top end of the table having 12 goals and have only conceded five.
The Robins sit third in League Two and will not make it an easy game for the Stags to try and gain all three points.
Follow my personal Twitter @AdrianKitaMedia
Follow us on Twitter @ProstInt
EFL
News