It was easy to see how Mansfield could come into the match with the best defensive record in the league. They calmly dealt with every through ball and attacking run, keeping us from making any concerted efforts on goal during the opening half hour.
We struggled to find any way through, and Mansfield held the upper hand for the duration of the first half. We staved off the challenge, however, and went in at the break needing a change of strategy.
I subbed Power out for Atkinson and told the boys to focus on attacking via the flanks.
It seemed to work. We came out strong, with Olembé tearing holes in Mansfield’s defence several times over a ten minute period. Shuker’s running made the first goal, however, as the diminutive forward broke free on the right wing and crossed to the penalty spot—where Olembé popped up to head home.
Barnes-Homer nearly made it two right on the hour mark, shooting just wide after a one-two with Smith on the edge of the area.
Mansfield midfielder Gary Roberts went off injured in the 85th minute, after his side had made all three substitutions. With ten men on the pitch and fatigue setting in, they looked dead and buried. But I still worried about Ross Dyer’s pace on the counter.
My fears proved founded. Mansfield won a corner after a quick attack, and Briscoe converted the set piece from close range. It was a dramatic equaliser in the 92nd minute of the match, but on balance it was fair. Both teams put up a great fight, and neither deserved to win or lose. It still hurts to have the points taken away right at the close of the game, though.
The result means that we both maintain our unbeaten records on this side of the draw—Mansfield at home and us on the road. Wrexham also drew, so there are no changes at the top of the table. And Mansfield can still reclaim first place if they win their game in hand. Today’s match had the potential to swing the tides for or against us; in the end, it changed nothing.
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