Bouncebackability

Last night, Mansfield Town recorded their fourth consecutive away win at Wrexham. The first for Mansfield in 25 years! After a disappointing 3-0 defeat at home to Kidderminster, many feared the worst (Me included) Paul Cox went with a surprising team selection and formation, but 4-5-1 proved to be an astute choice. Out wen't Joe Kendrick, Louis Briscoe (Suspended) and Lindon Meikle and in came Tom Naylor at rightback (Played there agaisnt Manchester United reserves, when on trial at Fulham)  John Worthington in midfield and the return of Andy Todd, who had not been involved since being dropped after the 1-1 home draw to Bath City.

I was unable to make the game due to not leaving Notts till around 4pm, i had to settle for commentary instead. Mansfield went 1-0 up thanks to what was credited as a wright (og) and it stayed that way until half time. Wrexham then equalised as Antony Howell made a similair mistake to the one at home to AFC Telford, though those that attended said it was another good performance from him bar the mistake. Shortly after Mansfield were back ahead after Nathaniel Knight-Percival brought down Matt Green and recieved a second yellow and Green stepped up to score the penalty.

I always find it so difficult to listen to away games on commentary, when they are as close as this game it is far worse than being at the game and it got worse when Tom Naylor was sen't off after a second bookable offence,despite appearing to be the one who was fouled. It once again opens up the debate asking why it is not possible to appeal a yellow card. It could well have been Tom Naylor's last game for the stags with the news that another Championship club has come in for him (Burnley the rumoured club) a deal could well be done by the time his suspention is up.
 Wrexham were throwing everything at it to get something out of the game and thankfully i was able to relax again when Ross Dyer had put Paul Connor through 1-1 after Wrexham had been caught on the counter.

Bouncebackability is certainly present in Paul Cox's side, as for the second time Mansfield recorded victory after a defeat. The win put Mansfield back in to the top 5 and 4 points off leaders Gateshead. It is surprising to see Gateshead at the top with Braintree 1 point behind them, it may not last but credit to Ian Bogie and Alan Devonshire respectavely.

Up next for Mansfield is a trip to Forest Green rovers, Mansfield will be without Ben Futcher and Tom Naylor who both face suspentions. Both will be a massive loss but Martin Riley and Joe Kendrick should be more than capable of filling in, It is hard to say if that will be the way Paul Cox goes, as not many people would have predicted the line-up or formation Paul Cox went with yesterday.

The off field saga involving the new CEO took a new twist this week, when it was revealed she had agreed to marry chairman John Radford. As always i prefer to focus on the football instead, but wish them all the best!

Thanks for taking the time to read this and hopefully ill be writing about another great away win in my next update.

UTS!