We all stand together: JOY

MANSFIELD HOSIERY MILLS 2 HOLBROOK SPORTS 1

CMA PREMIER SOUTH AT THE FIELDINGS

12 OCTOBER 2024 --- 3PM

MANSFIELD HOSIERY MILLS V HOLBROOK SPORTS ALBIE WHITE CHALLENGES

A superb winning strike three minutes into stoppage time by Luke Greaves was enough to bring the simple return of absolute joy for the home players, management and small band of home supporters who have witnessed Mills topsy turvey start to the season.

Without a win in five, the last one being on August 27th against then high flying Linby, the relief that this determined effort brought especially after coming back from behind to an early penalty was wonderful to see.

TED MOBILE FOR EASIER MOBILITY FOR OUR CANINE FRIEND

For the second week running there would be no Coop or chippy and it would be left to the ground snack bar to top up for this afternoons encounter.

As ever its always a warm friendly welcome with assistant gateman Ted in his new buggy taking the odd nap under his blanket during the build up but he's graduated from blanket on floor executive box to viewing from camping seat to now having the privilege of his own 'Ted wagon'.

BIRKINSHAW GOES DOWN UNDER A SUTER CHALLENGE

After a circuit and the gaining of the teams time to frequent the snack bar and Tracey was in charge today with Darren relieved of his duties as ever with this club always pleasant and a smart and clean operation. After a catch up with a few people including Ryan Smith part of the management team at Sports it was soon 3pm and time to take a look at Holbrook Sports, again.

EARLY LEAPFROG

I say again because two weeks ago The Brookies took away a 4-0 league cup win in the 'cardgate' game were they finished with just nine men and Mills had their assistant manager sent off from the bench. Unless they meet in the floodlit cup this will be their last game this season because they away league game was played 5 weeks ago with a 2-2 draw being the conclusion.

MILLS MANAGEMENT MARK TURNER AND PAUL HUTCHINSON ADDED TO BY SON JACK

Both sides had players out as is the regular occurrence in The CMA and you can never guarantee results at this level.

Mills were quick out of the traps but missed an open goal in the second minute when they had a shot that flew over the bar. They were punished for their miss when Sports took the lead after 12 minutes with Mike Birkinshaw bursting through on the edge of the box when Mills captain Tom Suter felled him and referee Dan Seward pointed to the spot. Owen Nixon converted from the spot despite home custodian Ben Robinson, who had replaced the injured Matt Fowler, getting something on it he could not stop the ball hitting the back of the net.

SPORTS MANAGEMENT TOM ELEY AND RYAN SMITH

Mills were forced into an early substitution when George Simpson came off injured and with a couple of cautions that was about the first half wrapped up and both Mills and Sports were struggling to get up a head of steam in a close encounter.

The second half continued in the same vein with Mills struggling to put much together down the slope at times they looked too easily forced off the ball and you feared for this game to run out to that early penalty.

But NO wait the boys in blue had other ideas Ted had become so concerned he'd moved himself round to the dug out where he took control in a cameo appearance from Mr Turner and decided to bark out some instructions and so onto 77 minutes and the equaliser. Jake Johnson received the ball centrally 25 yards from goal and given space and time he drove home a beauty to register a credit on the home sides score sheet.

SAM LINFORD SPORTS NUMBER ONE

Brookies keeper Sam Linford pulled off a 'worldie' save for the camera, if only I hadn't put it away now for the rain that was falling, to deny Suter.

The confidence had visibly returned to Mansfield and they had a belief and the complete opposite befell Sports who were now struggling, quite amazing how a goal changes a game.

REGULARS ON THE POP SIDE

The game clicked over into stoppage time and it looked like a draw would be a result both sides would have to settle for, that was until Luke Greaves had other ideas when a high ball fell to him 14 yards out he volleyed home a thumping shot into the roof of the net. Celebrations came over to the dug out touchline the relief the home side and management had was clear for all to see as they celebrated this potential winner.

Could they hang on for the remaining thirty seconds well yes they could within that time referee Seward had blown for full time and once again for the home side they could experience the joys of a Saturday evening after a win.

For Sports they had gone on a run of four unbeaten before this result something mentioned to their management before the start of the game and when they return up to full numbers I'm sure they will continue their more than comfortable start to life in the premier section of The CMA after last seasons promotion. I look forward to catching up with them again during their season they have some good lads.