The scoreboard tells the story. Photo by Maynard Manyowaplaceholder image
The scoreboard tells the story. Photo by Maynard Manyowa
Despite a valiant effort - including a second half goal from Mace Oldershaw – Mansfield Town's U18s bowed out of the FA Youth Cup in a 4-1 third round home defeat by Premier League Arsenal's youngsters on Monday night in front of a superb crowd of 1,640.
Stags professional development phase lead coach Steve Chettle said: “We are a little disappointed as we started the game well, but conceded from the first corner Arsenal had, then conceded from a penalty and went in 2-0 down at half-time.
“We were looking for a step up in tempo and dealing with the ball a bit better and I thought we did that.
“Then we went 3-0 down – another sloppy goal from our point of view. But then we got back into the game, and we were delighted with the goal itself
A great turnout of fans on a grim night for weather. Photo by Maynard Manyowaplaceholder image
A great turnout of fans on a grim night for weather. Photo by Maynard Manyowa
“But then we shot ourselves in the foot again, conceding 60 seconds later and the game was probably put to bed.
“Overall we are disappointed but very proud of our efforts.
“It's great to have Arsenal come to the One Call Stadium and it's been a great night for the club.
“We want to keep getting better and playing teams like Arsenal and challenging ourselves.
It's all over for the young Stags. Photo by Maynard Manyowaplaceholder image
It's all over for the young Stags. Photo by Maynard Manyowa
“We thank every one of the fans who came down to back us. It was a horrible night, the weather was horrendous and it's been raining all day.
“So we are very thankful for the support they gave us. The boys really appreciated it and we want more occasions like this. Hopefully there are a lot more to come.”
The young Stags had dispatched Kidderminster Harriers in round one before grinding out a 1-0 win against Barnsley at Oakwell Stadium to set up the glamour tie with the Gunners, who now go on to a clash of the titans with a fourth round clash against Manchester City's stars of the future.
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