Tuesday 18th August 2009. Blue Square PremierField Mill, Mansfield
Mansfield Town (1) 4 (Duffy, Speight, Clare 2 both pens)
Barrow (0) 1 (Walker)
Admission: Used Cookie's season ticket while he's on holiday, cheers Mick!
Programme £3
Attendance 3188 (106 from Barrow)
The Stags took the lead on 26 minutes. The ever lively Ryan Williams hit a low cross across the face of the goal, a Barrow defender stuck out his boot but only played the ball into the path of Rob Duffy who slotted the ball home from inside the six yard box.
As the first half came to a close, both Duffy and Williams came close to extending the lead, but as the first half came to a close there had been no more scoring.
"Keep The Faith" Barrow FC Northern Soul Flag
On 59 minutes, with the Stags looking to build on the lead (Perry, Williams and Duffy all had good chances), Barrow pulled a goal back against the run of play.
Matt Somner under hit a back pass to Alan Marriott. The keeper raced from the box and managed to block Barrow's Rutherford's attempt on goal, but the ball spun sideways from their challenge to Jason Walker who gratefully hit the ball into an empty net.
David Holdsworth made a double substitution, bringing on Clare and Speight.
Speight's first action was to hit the Stags back in front. An inspired replacement then.
Matt Somner under hit a back pass to Alan Marriott. The keeper raced from the box and managed to block Barrow's Rutherford's attempt on goal, but the ball spun sideways from their challenge to Jason Walker who gratefully hit the ball into an empty net.
David Holdsworth made a double substitution, bringing on Clare and Speight.
Speight's first action was to hit the Stags back in front. An inspired replacement then.
The Stags last two goals came from penalties, both scored by Daryl Clare.Barrow played delaying tactics to prevent both spot kicks being taken quickly, an odd tactic when your losing I would have thought.
The first penalty was conceded by Phil Bolland, it cost him a second yellow card and he was dismissed.
Barrow are a fairly physical side, but not as bad as last season. Paul Jones would've been my choice if we were having a bet on the first player to get sent off (going by what I saw of him last time Barrow visited Field Mill) but it wasn't to be. Even when he conceded the second penalty it would've been very harsh if he'd received a second booking and had to walk.
Clare ignored the spoiling tactics and calmly put both penalties away, one to each side of the keeper. Cool, composed and one of several striking options the Stags have at their disposal this season, which can't be a bad thing.
Final score 4-1
A plus mark to the Barrow fans by the way, good banter with them before the game and constant vocal support throughout. A great turn out for a midweek game, particularly given the distance they had to travel.
They probably deserve a better team to match their backing if truth be told.
