AFC Mansfield 5-0 Welbeck Welfare
AFC Mansfield took maximum points over the festive period to remain top of the league going into the New Year.
‘The Bulls’ started with an impressive 5-0 win on Boxing Day against basement side Welbeck Welfare. A brace apiece for Dean Rick and man of the match Joe Naylor was overshadowed by the opening goal from Steve McGurk. A a powerful header in the first half which was his first for the club.
The score remained 1-0 at half–time due in the main to some excellent goalkeeping from Elliott Redmile. But two quick goals at the start of the second half put the game beyond the visitors and two more were added before the end.
AFC Mansfield: Sheppard, Cantrell (Phillips 72), Tighe (Wilson 63) , Holmes (Draper 57), McGurk (c), Naylor D, Buxton, Naylor J, Rick, Brewin, Carter. Subs not used: Fletcher & Rodger.
Welbeck Welfare: Stevens, Rohun, Caldwell, Twyning, Simpson (c) (Wass 72), Fletcher (Collier 72), Savage, Taylor, Frost, Jones, Farquasson. Subs not used: Blake & Staniforth.
Referee: Mr David Webb
Assistants: Mr Mick Green & Mr Adie Seward.
Man of the Match:
Joe Naylor
Attendance: 120
AFC Mansfield: Sheppard, Cantrell (Phillips 72), Tighe (Wilson 63) , Holmes (Draper 57), McGurk (c), Naylor D, Buxton, Naylor J, Rick, Brewin, Carter. Subs not used: Fletcher & Rodger.
Welbeck Welfare: Stevens, Rohun, Caldwell, Twyning, Simpson (c) (Wass 72), Fletcher (Collier 72), Savage, Taylor, Frost, Jones, Farquasson. Subs not used: Blake & Staniforth.
Referee: Mr David Webb
Assistants: Mr Mick Green & Mr Adie Seward.
Man of the Match: Joe Naylor
Attendance: 120
AFC Mansfield 1-0 Thorne Colliery
Saturday saw ‘The Bulls’ entertain Thorne Colliery who were
fourth in the league with games in hand to become serious challengers. AFC welcomed back Matt Draper, Callum Green
and Julian Capuano to the starting line-up and there was a start also for up
and coming young full back Brad Wilson.
Thorne were a physical and hardworking side and were helped
by some lenient refereeing on the day. Welbeck
keeper Julian Stevens was also in inspired form keeping the scores level on
numerous occasions.
Just when it looked as if AFC Mansfield would have to settle
for a draw they won a corner on the right.
Phil Buxton delivered a perfect ball which Joe Naylor met with his
head. The ball crashed against the bar,
it spun upwards and Nathan Whitehead headed against the bar again. The ball dropped into a crowded 6 yard box
and in the melee that ensued Joe Naylor managed to force the ball home.
AFC Mansfield: Sheppard, Wilson, Capuano, Draper, McGurk (c), Naylor D, Buxton, Naylor J, Rick, Green Whitehead 71), Carter. Subs not used: White, Somes, Brewin & Fletcher.
Thorne Colliery: Redmile, Rafferty G, Dorgan, Rafferty L (Lugton 65), Rodgers, Hindson, Thomas, Sheppard N (c), Tiffany (Hookway 75), Rhodes, Atkinson. Subs not used: Sneap & Chester.
Referee: Mr D Godwin
Assistants: Mr A Elce & Mr P Cottam
Man of the Match:
Matt Draper
Attendance: 72
AFC Mansfield: Sheppard, Wilson, Capuano, Draper, McGurk (c), Naylor D, Buxton, Naylor J, Rick, Green Whitehead 71), Carter. Subs not used: White, Somes, Brewin & Fletcher.
Thorne Colliery: Redmile, Rafferty G, Dorgan, Rafferty L (Lugton 65), Rodgers, Hindson, Thomas, Sheppard N (c), Tiffany (Hookway 75), Rhodes, Atkinson. Subs not used: Sneap & Chester.
Referee: Mr D Godwin
Assistants: Mr A Elce & Mr P Cottam
Man of the Match: Matt Draper
Attendance: 72
AFC Mansfield take a break from league action next Saturday when they entertain Linby Colliery in the 3rd Round of The League Challenge Cup at the Forest Town Stadium.
