MANSFIELD TOWN v PETERBOROUGH UNITED (23-09-18) In a fixture away from league action, Mansfield Town entertained Peterborough United on the neutral ground of South Notts. Academy. Both sides looked to settle into the match as quickly as possible and exert authority on their opponents. From the outset, both sides cancelled each other out with Josh forcing the offensive with pace and a strong drive. Peterborough themselves attempted to exert pressure on the Mansfield midfield and defence with some quick interchanges of passing. Josh found himself free again, out wide, to allow him to advance and direct his shot just wide of the Peterborough post. It seemed that this outlet may prove fruitful as Mansfield went in search of a quick opener. This proved to be the case when, despite a period of Peterborough’s sustained pressure, a long through ball was spilled by the Peterborough keeper. Josh capitalised on the keeper’s misfortune to brilliantly slot home from an acute angle to put Mansfield 1.0 up. Caolan fed Natty whose shot forced the Peterborough keeper into tipping his effort over the bar. Peterborough still forced the issue applying pressure on a ‘so-far’ resolute Isaac and his backline. A dangerous free kick calling on Lewis H-S to provide a great defensive header. Mansfield endeavoured to keep Peterborough at bay, but in doing so midfield and defence began to sit deeper allowing an expanse of space for the impressive Peterborough number 16 to exploit and dictate from. Soon, Peterborough’s pressure did pay off. A direct run and pull-back down Mansfield’s left-hand side, caused a scramble that fell kindly to a Peterborough striker to prod the ball home for a deserved equaliser. In a carbon copy of their first goal, Peterborough scored their second goal in quick succession. As half time loomed Mansfield did have another opportunity to square the tie at the break. A foul on Josh allowed Caolan to float a ball into the box but no Mansfield head was able to make contact and guide the ball home. After the interval Peterborough continued where they left off. 2:1 soon became 3:1 A free kick from a tight angle was driven-goal bound with power and pace to deceive Jacob in the Mansfield goal. Mansfield continued to compete to get a grip on the game with George F, Sam Lucas and Callum F attempting to link up play. Mansfield did fashion a few chances to reduce the arrears. From a corner a blocked header came to nothing. Next a short corner from Caolan to Rowan who lifted the ball into the danger area for Alex’s header to narrowly clear the bar. Morgan looked to set Josh free again but just offside. Jacob saved a goal-bound low drive and Sam on several occasions produced precision balls over the top for Josh to run onto. Mansfield had not given up despite the scoreline. Peterborough did nearly put themselves clean out of sight when a rifled effort rebounded off the bar only for the follow-up chance to be put wide. Peterborough’s fourth did arrive and was soon followed by their fifth after a powerful turn and burst of pace ended with another drive hitting the back of the net. Mansfield did still push, with Callum W the architect in driving forward and squaring for George D to unluckily place the ball just outside the post and George F narrowly volleying wide from a Lewis N cross. Seconds before the final whistle, Mansfield did get their consolation goal with a fine team effort involving Natty and George F finding Josh. A great cross was met by George D who steered the ball into the back of the Peterborough net for the final goal of the game. Full Time: MANSFIELD TOWN (2) v PETERBOROUGH UNITED (5) Today was a tough test against a good Peterborough United side. Results like this are disappointing for everyone involved, but learning curves like these are necessary to measure the development of this improving squad of Mansfield Town players. This game gives food for thought for the players and management team, before a run of further academy fixtures in the future.
