Mansfield prove a point against Walsall in 1-1 draw

After sacking their manager on Tuesday night, you’d think that the Stags would be severely lacking in all departments.

But the ship was somehow steadied by Caretaker Manager Richard Cooper. Mansfield looked really bright in spells as Cooper implemented a game plan which suited the Stags, allowing them to play to their strengths.

But Walsall manager Darrell Clarke had his team press from the off which was very effective and trapped Mansfield inside their own half for periods of the game .

The first chance of the game came to the Stags. After a period of sustained pressure, they were able to loose free and George Maris had a crack from long range which sailed over the bar.

Emmanuel Osadebe posed a real threat to the Stags from the off and his first shot was saved wonderfully by Marek Stech. Save after save, Stech looked more comfortable in between the sticks.

But it was the Stags who took the lead. The fox in the box, Nicky Maynard, returned with his first goal of the campaign. Mansfield Town’s top goalscorer last season latched onto a George Lapslie miscue of a shot and slotted past Liam Roberts.

Mansfield managed to hold onto the lead going into half-time and defended really well. It only took the Saddlers four minutes into the second-half to level the game at one apiece. George Nurse’s low cross found the danger man Osadebe as he slotted the ball into the back of the net.

Late chances from Harry Charsley and Osadebe were not converted, but were close as the latter’s shot cannoned off of the crossbar.

The Mansfield players worked tirelessly off the ball and battled for every inch of the pitch. Walsall also put up a fantastic battle that made the game so even.

Mansfield’s midfield locked horns with Walsall’s midfield on many occasions as the likes of George Lapslie, Harry Charsley, George Maris, substitute Liam Kinsella, Stuart Sinclair and Danny Guthrie played some fantastic balls to their teammates.

Defensively, the four at the back formation worked for Mansfield really well. Kellan Gordon and Stephen McLaughlin were really impressive in their attacking and defensive presence. Both of them would regularly complete sprints up and down their retrospective flanks and worked tirelessly off the ball to help the team out.

The two centre-backs, Ferrand Rawson and James Perch, also were on fire today as a partnership. Rawson looked comfortable on the ball and made some crucial clearance. Perch played slightly out of position but is well known for his versatility.

The front-three of Nicky Maynard, Jamie Reid and Andy Cook all complimented each other. Two powerhouses in Cook and Reid really helped in creating the chances and feeding off of scraps. As for Maynard he was in his element collecting the ball deep and was able to have a few goes goalwards.

The game was a very end to end battle and it reflected with the possession stakes and especially the amount of shots taken by each team.

Mansfield can be really proud of the performance that they put on the table against Walsall. They showed desire, courage and confidence to play for each other and complementing their strengths.

The Stags remain in 22nd after their sixth draw of the season while Walsall are in 14th, seven points ahead of the Stags and only four points away from a Play-off position.

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