News

21/07/2008 - Trialists impress as Stags flex muscles

Those who doubted new boss Billy McEwan's determination to recruit the right players for Mansfield ahead of the new season can think again.

No less than ten new faces were given a run-out for the Stags at Hucknall on Saturday.

And with five more friendlies to come, they are unlikely to be the last.

It shows the wily Scot is leaving no stoned left unturned in a bid to get Mansfield shipshape come the start of the competitive action.

Far from diving in and signing the first player that lands on his doorstep, McEwan is sifting through those available.

At this late stage, he knows he has the power. Players are now running out of time to find clubs before the big kick-off.

With that in mind, the former York boss is going to take his time.

It was that 'new broom' feel that made for an interesting afternoon at Watnall Road, even if the quality of the football was, understandably not at its best.

Just three players in the Mansfield side who started the game were with the club last season - Jonathan D'Laryea, Nathan Arnold and Jason White.

Three more were those who McEwan has brought in since landing the job - Mark Stallard, Michael Blackwood and Adie Moses.

That left five trialists to make up the side, with another eight waiting eagerly to get on and prove their worth.

At the back of those who started was central defender Alan O'Hare, who can also play left-back, a former Bolton trainee released by Chesterfield last season.

Paul Hurst, a vastly experienced campaigner who has played almost 500 games for Rotherham, began at left-back and on the opposite flank, Gark Silk, who has spent the last two seasons with Notts County.

In midfield was Gavin Hurren, formerly of Kidderminster Harriers. Up front, Rob Duffy was given the chance to impress having been at Oxford and had a spell on loan at Wrexham last season.

Just before the break after Hurren picked up a slight knock came the next of the new batch - another ex-Magpie Matt Somner coming on in central midfield.

And at the start of the second half came the other four.

Paddy Gamble, a youngster formerly with Forest took Jason White's place in goal and Mark McGregor, most recently of Port Vale but also Burnley and Wrexham, featured in the centre of defence.

Ex-Rushden midfielder Tom Shaw operated in midfield while a man who needs no introduction - veteran former Forest, Notts County and Chesterfield striker Jason Lee took his place up front. With so many new faces, it was always going to be difficult for Mansfield to play with any kind of cohesiveness, and a strong blustery wind did not help the players from either side.

Blackwood was the pick of an ever-changing Mansfield side before he was substituted after an hour's run out. Not only did he take his 51st minute goal with an assuredness that was lacking in goalscoring positions so often last season, slotting home from eight yards out, he was also a threat out wide.

His pace caused the hosts problems all afternoon - not bad for a man who was playing his first game since March. For their part, Hucknall could be pleased with their showing, enjoying as much possession as their more illustrious visitors and also creating a couple of decent opportunities.

Like Mansfield, their squad has seen a total overhaul after they avoided relegation from the Conference North because of Halifax's financial difficulties in the league above them.

Yet co-bosses Mick Galloway and Andy Miller have built a side who were not overawed and the signs look good for the new season.

Laurie Wilson, back with the club after a season away at Alfreton, was particularly influential and looks more than capable of unlocking defences over the next nine months or so.

The Yellows' best two openings both came from headers and both gave former Stags players to haunt their old club.

But Danny Bacon, in the first half and Danny Sleath in the second, were off target.

In addition to their goal, Mansfield might have added to their tally. Blackwood also screwed wide in the first half after a good flick-on from Stallard and was also foiled from close range not long after his opener.

Lee headed wide after a run to the right byline and cross from first-year professional Jamie McGhee.

But it was another substitute, Lewis Trimmer, who should have put the game beyond doubt as he raced clear after playing a one-two with Lee, only to fire straight at advancing goalkeeper James Lindley.

Still, 1-0 or 10-0, it was a win for Mansfield, a useful habit to get into after so many losses last season.