United had been less than convincing throughout and were in the end a little fortunate that they did not have to endure at least an extra 30 minutes of extra time. A late Marc McNulty goal was enough to get the Blades through after Andy Butler had scored at both ends. The visiting Stags were a little unfortunate not to force an additional period and had been well in the game for long periods.
Manager Clough had made whole sale changes to his starting eleven from the defeat at the weekend with 8 changes with only the keeper and full backs keeping their places. It was a new centre back pairing of Andy Butler and Neill Collins; starts for Michael Doyle, Jose Baxter, Stephen McGinn and Jamal Campbell Ryce in midfield and McNulty and Chris Porter up front. Mansfield were without striker Olly Palmer who had suffered an injury at the weekend but started with the promising Liam Hearn.
The early going saw a low shot from Baxter easily saved and then Collins had a header that well off target. Mansfield has started well and were knocking the ball about with confidence but striker Hearn had picked up a knock and was replaced by wing man Clucas with only 16 minutes played.
The Stags had a good spell without really threatening too much but won a series of free kicks and Fisher than did have a decent effort that was not far wide. United had struggled to make much headway and a series of giveaways saw frustration in the crowd.
United’s main threat had come from Davies’s crosses and he swung another couple of dangerous ones over. One missed everyone and nearly nestled in and another saw no one react to get on the end of it.
Substitute Clucas forced one decent save from Howard and then was not far away as the confidence grew in the visitors. A free kick on the edge of the box gave a chance for Davies but went narrowly wide of the keepers right hand post.
Half time came soon after and it had certainly been a rather non descript game so far with few chances for both sides.
The second half began with at least some goal mouth excitement finally. Clucas’ headed effort flicked the to of the bar just after Beevers had shot just wide and United seemed to have struggled to lift themselves from the first half slumber.
However, from a set play and the most likely source they took the lead.
Davies took the dead ball and swung it over and the first effort via Baxter and a defender was palmed away by the keeper but BUTLER reacted quickest and was able to divert his header back and into the net.
Suddenly soon after despite offering little this half the visitors were level. The build up seemed innocuous enough but as the ball came into the box there was a half chance.
Fisher hit the shot but it was going wide before striking the leg of United defender BUTLER taking it past keeper Howard and into the net. The 1,000+ Mansfield fans behind the goal celebrated wildly and despite it coming out of nothing the visitors had deserved the parity the score line now showed.
McGuire, Taylor and Beevers picked up yellow cards for Mansfield but they were now well in the game and United were struggling to make many chances despite winning a few corners and free kicks.
United made changes with just over 15 minutes to play as Murphy replaced McGinn and then Porter was withdrawn with Higdon taking his place.
The game seemed to be heading for extra time when suddenly the home side snatched what seemed to be a late winner.
Higdon flicked it on and MCNULTY had a chance. His first attempt to get clear was blocked but he persisted and managed to wriggle free to be in on goal. His low shot went beyond Studer and into the net at the Kop end.
McNulty then was taken off after his goal replaced by McGahey as United tried to see out time now they had the lead.
After this Mansfield tried to come back from this late hammer blow but struggled to create much in the way of chances.
There was an additional four minutes to be played but little happened of note and United were able to see time out comfortably. Soon after full time they were paired with old nemesis West Ham in the next round. United will have to improve massively if they want to have any chance of a cup upset.
United – It was quite poor again really. We never looked convincing at all and were a little fortunate to win the game. Manager Clough made a number of changes but none really convinced and made a really strong claim for a first team spot for the next league game. Up top Porter and McNulty were anonymous much of the game and in midfield we did not control the game like we should whilst at the back Butler and Collins were not totally convincing. We lacked creativity all game and when we got it wide struggled to get to the by line. The only real threat all game came from Davies’ crosses who despite being much maligned remains our main threat much of the time from an attacking sense.
The game for the most part was really poor and there was little good football played. You would expect United to have enough experience and ability to be too strong for the visitors but Mansfield were as good (average!) as us most of the game and there was little in it. We have now played 4 League Two sides in friendlies and League Cup and have won one and have never been able to assert ourselves on any of these sides which is a bit of a worry really.
We have a lot of work to do in terms of the shape of the team, the way we are playing and the ability to create chances. The side tonight had many of those who played last year (and in the run when we did well) but we lacked cohesion and often looked like a side full of strangers. The new comers McNulty, Campbell Ryce and Butler were so-so at best and we were fortunate to win the game. A lot of work to be done for us to start getting to the levels we showed back end of last season.
Mansfield – Did well for much of the game. Competed hard, tried to go forward and not play a defensive type of game and had as many efforts on goal as us. First half they actually had more chances than us; albeit only a few in a really poor game. A little unfortunate to go behind but got back level and then were right in the game and looked as likely to get a winner as us; although in truth it seemed nailed on extra time. The late goal killed them off but they were unfortunate to lose really. The lad Clucas who came on was lively and they had a few other players who played well. Like the looks of the lad Tafazolli at the back who carries the ball forward well and is confident in possession. Can see why teams are looking at both of those players.
Howard 6.5/10- Had little chance with the goal. Made a few other expected saves in a game of few chances. A few less than convincing throw outs though nearly put us in danger.
Davies 7/10 – Once again thought he was our most likely source of chances and/or goals. Yes he is not really a full back and lacks mobility but he put in several excellent crosses all night that should have seen someone get on the end of things. Without him we would have had hardly any chances in either game so far this season.
Harris 6.5/10 – Better than Saturday when he had a bit of a nightmare. He was steady enough but a few errant touches/passes saw him give away possession. Did not get forward much at all tonight but defensively was improved.
Collins 6.5/10 – Thought he looked less than convincing much of the night and at times we looked vulnerable down the middle. His passing and control was inconsistent but he did get better as the game went on and we had more of the ball.
Butler 6/10 – Like Collins felt he looked less than mobile and at times his control of the ball was less than assured. He did look a threat from set plays and of course scored the first goal. I am unsure whether Clough sees him as being the answer (to Maguire going) and it maybe there is something in the rumours around him being moved on; even this early. I feel he cannot play both him and Collins together as they really lack pace and can be turned to easy. I think it is one of them with either Alcock or McGahey at the moment.
Doyle 6.5/10 – Steady enough and probably one of our better players but he was not in the game that much and I felt often seemed at full stretch. I cannot recall him doing too much offensively other than one deflected shot that went just wide and at times he was another that seemed to lack pace to cover for quicker opponents.
McGinn 5/10 – Given a surprise start but did little to convince. He is someone that I cannot see playing much unless we have a run of injuries. He is a player that should be moved on. Not sure if he has any real strengths. He is steady enough but inconsistent with his passing, quite slow and not physical enough to break things up. Most of the game just sort of passed him by. Did many even realise he was playing?
Baxter 6/10 – Played wide (moved between right and left) and showed some of the things he does well, touch and ability to move ball around but also disappeared out of the game for long stretches and his lack of pace/athleticism so him often out of the play when they attacked. Not sure where he will end up playing (just off Higdon – competing with Scougall?) but for all the faults he has, he is one of few players who offers us some creativity and a bit of something different in the last third.
Campbell Ryce 6.5/10 – Quite frustrating much of the night but still maybe one of main outlets we had to get a chance. He got into some good positions and tried to get on the ball. He certainly never hid. However, too often he tried to cross from too deep and barely got at his full back or got really deep into the final third to get into a good crossing area. Neat and tidy but little end product. Also near the end was outpaced by a defender in a straight run which was significant as I see his pace as his main asset.
Porter 4/10 – Very poor I am afraid. A performance that leaves many wondering why we have re-signed him when there is youngsters in the lower leagues or even our own (Di Girolamo) that surely offer more? Today he was behind the ball, never showed for it, rarely held it up and it shot off him when it went to him. He never anticipated any balls through or was stood in the wrong positions. Countless balls came in from Davies and he stood motionless. Sorry to be harsh but he really was dreadful tonight.
McNulty 6/10 – Thought he was anonymous most of the game sadly and his mark would be even lower without his winner. He touched the ball maybe once or twice in the first half and never got involved. Second half he had a few more touches but seemed to lack physique to over power his man or the pace to cause a problem on the final defender. On the games I have seen I have struggled to see what his strengths are. However, despite his poor display (right in line with rest sadly) he did get onto the flick and persisted by finishing the chance. At least showed he knew where the net is and got his first goal but overall like many tonight has to do much better.
Subs
Murphy – Came on but other than one decent run he never really got into the game. He got outmuscled and brushed off a few times and did not make much impact.
Higdon – Did more in 15 mins than Porter did all game before it. He won a few headers and at least held it up and gave us some sort of focal point. Involved in the goal as he initially held the ball up.
Clough 5/10 – Made 8 changes but like Saturday his selection again yielded a pretty poor and timid performance. We lacked cohesion, idea and creativity. We have really started the seasons slowly and he had a lot of work to do for me. We have played around 19 players already and seem no closer to getting to what is his strongest side.
Officials – A nothing game to officiate. He booked quite a few Mansfield players second half for cynical trips/fouls but there was not a ‘bad’ foul all game and it was an easy game to ref really. Can’t recall many things that were particularly controversial all evening.
Crowd/Officials – Good following from Mansfield and they got behind the side well. Not many in the rest of the ground and it was quiet with some frustration from the terraces at the less than convincing play from the home side. I am sure Clough will get a great deal of understanding due to the amount of changes and newcomers but most fans will have been disappointed at two very average to poor performances to start the season and hope things start to click sooner rather than later.