Under 13s  v  Hull Boys  0  v  3  Mansfield Boys    28 November

A very impressive team performance led to Mansfield boys gaining a deserved three league points away at Hull on Saturday 28 November.  Mansfield started the game working extremely hard without the ball - winning challenges and playing some excellent pass and move football whilst in possession.  Mansfield looked like the home team throughout, pressuring the ball and forcing mistakes from the Hull players.  A goalkeeping error led to Mansfield’s opening goal with Jacob Dobson being first to the dropped ball to force it over the line.

Mansfield’s impressive work rate and passing continued into the second half with the second goal coming from Jordan Carver who smashed a bouncing ball in the box straight past the home keeper.  The pick of Mansfield’s goals came from Christian Dobb who rifled a right foot shot from the edge of the box into the bottom corner of the net. Mansfield stayed strong and focussed throughout to keep a clean sheet, controlling the game and playing some excellent football.  It was a great game to watch and the congratulations to the players at the end were well deserved.

Squad:

Liam Bacon   Jacob Dobson  (Ashfield):   Christian Dobb   (Brunts):   Ben Kilford   Jordy Mitchinson  (Joseph Whitaker):   Luke Darby   Conor Green   Liam Green   Charlie Simpkin  (Manor):   Danny Fletcher  (Quarrydale):   Jordan Carver  Ryan Dakin  (Queen Elizabeth’s):  Ryan Derbyshire   Lewis Parker   Andrew Wright  (Selston).

Under 13s   Mansfield Boys  1  v  0   Derby Boys

The Mansfield District Schools’ F.A. re-introduced representative football again this season after a three year break from competitive play.  Ashfield School was the venue for the first league game of the season which could have easily had more goals if it hadn’t for excellent goalkeeping at either end.

An even start saw both teams working hard to retain possession and gain a foothold in the game.  Derby struggled to create any clear cut chances on goal with the Mansfield Boys goalkeeper Liam Bacon collecting all through balls skidding towards him on the wet surface.  Both teams came close to scoring towards the break with a Derby free kick at one end and a header from Mansfield’s Andrew Wright at the other but both were denied by excellent goalkeeping.

Mansfield looked the stronger at the start of the second half and were rewarded following some fine play that ended with a pass to Ryan Dakin just inside the area who hit an unstoppable shot into the top corner to give Mansfield a deserved lead. The home side looked strong in defence with Danny Fletcher and Ryan Derbyshire at the heart of things seeing off many Derby threats. Liam Green was strong in midfield, constantly breaking up the play making it difficult for Derby.  Further Mansfield chances were saved by the Derby Boys goalkeeper who kept them in the game. Mansfield held on strongly despite some late pressure to gain a well deserved victory.

A large squad of 20 Mansfield boys’ players including 3 goalkeepers all got their chance to impress with every player having a positive impact upon the game. The boys’ attitude and effort throughout were fantastic and were a credit to their schools.

Under 13s   Leicester Boys  1  v  1   Mansfield Boys 1   24 September 2009

Mansfield District Schools’ FA played thier first away game of the season against a tough Leicester Boys side who had scored six goals in their previous two games. Leicester where the better team in the first half winning most of the ball in midfield and looking strong when in possession. The pressure finally became too much for the away side with a Leicester forward having time in the box to slide in an easy finish to give the home side a deserved lead. Mansfield could have conceded more goals if not for some great defending and one outstanding save from goalkeeper Liam Bacon.

After the interval the away side rolled up their sleeves and took the game to Leicester. Substitutions had a positive impact on the game with forward Caleb Yemm producing an outstanding contribution which culminated in a composed left footed shot into the bottom corner to score a deserved goal for Mansfield. A terrific defensive performance gave Leicester little chance to get back into the game after the equaliser. The Mansfield back four of Ben Kilford, Danny Fletcher, Ryan Derbyshire and Conor Green were fantastic, winning almost every header and tackle which set a fine example for the rest of the team to follow.  Leicester did have a goal disallowed towards the end of the game, however, due to strong defending this was their only attempt on goal. The Mansfield players were excellent in the second half showing great character, determination and teamwork to play some great football and gain a deserved point.