FA CUP 1ST ROUND 18 NOVEMBER 2014
Skrill South Concord Rangers did more than enough to earn themselves a replay at their Aspect Stadium following this draw against Football League 2 side Mansfield Town.
After an encouraging start for the 'non leaguers' their hearts looked to have been broken and that of Danny Glozier who in trying to clear a cross fired his header into the Rangers goal to give Mansfield the lead. However within 60 seconds Jordan Chiedozie, son of ex Chesterfield, Notts County and Tottenham player John, fired home a screamer from 25 yards.
The remainder of the game saw chances go begging for both sides but Mansfield's consistent reliance on the long ball, with little hope of holding the ball up in the final third, was proving a major annoyance to the loyal Stags supporters in the crowd of 2,023. Mansfield's inability to play football on the floor was contrasted by Concord's clear policy of playing 'football' and as the game wore on the final 15 minutes saw the Canvey Island side look confident of taking Mansfield back to Essex.
It was good to see a non league side do well in the cup against a league side, with credit to Mansfield for reducing ticket prices to £10 it certainly encouraged me because at £22 I would not have been there.
The ground from the top tier of the main stand at The One Call is superb and always a favourite of mine on any visit to Mansfield, externally the club have a very pleasant set of ladies issuing match tickets and the club shop now has a twin situated outside the main stand too.
The ground remains three sided and this will probably never alter now as it seems to have been like this for so long now, its interesting to note that after raising the question of other three sided grounds in the Football League only Oxford United could be thought of.
Concord arrived on a fantastic liveried coach fully decked out with leather seats a good start to their
grand day out.
Enjoyed the visit, on a slight negative the seats and certainly the back of them could do with a good power hosing down its worth taking some wipes if you get an obscure wing seat allocated!
Mansfield and I guess their Chairman have introduced three games before and after Christmas were for advance purchase you can see a league game for just £7, that's a great offer and I hope they receive the support and credit for this gesture its better than having a stadium two thirds empty.
Oh yes pink match ball and referee's in grey what next?
Wouldn't like to predict the replay result but you would guess it will be a tough night for the Football League side.
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