Stags hold their own against the Foxes

WHILE there was little goalmouth action for the Mansfield Town fans to cheer as they returned to the Field Mill terraces for the first time in almost three months, the hearty applause come full-time nevertheless suggested their near-universal approval.

Taking on Championship Leicester, whose players will earn in a week what their Stags compatriots take home in a month, the home support knew full well a difficult evening was on the cards.

So the fact the Stags held out for a draw in such company was reason for encouragement ahead of the Blue Square Premier season.

At times, the difference in off-the-ball movement and pace was palpable – and that came as no surprise.

But what would have pleased Stags manager David Holdsworth – who watched the first half from the directors' box – is that his side matched their more illustrious opponents for work-rate and determination.

And when they are playing back in their own league, against players of their own stature, that will be critical if they are to compete at the top end of the table.

The best of Leicester's chances in the first period fell to Steve Howard, who Mansfield fans may remember at Field Mill from his days with Luton.

But he headed wide and over from Luke O'Neill and Max Gradel crosses while being denied by Craig Armstrong's last-ditch tackle as he looked to have a tap-in following Dany N'Guessan's good work.

Gradel should also have netted when he cut inside Armstrong on the right side only to blaze over the top.

The closest Mansfield came was when Louis Briscoe's persistence in the Blues box gave Jonathan D'Laryea room to shoot and he forced a diving save from Chris Weale.

After the break, Alan Marriott made a fine stop to parry Andy King's low effort before substitute Paul Dickov fired the ball across the six yard box with no Leicester play to turn it in.

But Mansfield – with Holdsworth back on the sidelines – had more possession in the second 45 and did get the ball in the net – albeit it was disallowed.

Daryl Clare swept home from close range after a pinpoint Ryan Williams cross had been flicked on, but he was adjudged offside.

With substitutions coming thick and fast in the closing stages, Briscoe also forced a smart save out of substitute keeper Conrad Logan with a powerful snapshot.

So, another positive performance for Mansfield. And, of course, they still remain unbeaten at home under Holdsworth.

Mansfield: Marriott, Gardner, Graham, Garner, Armstrong (Heckingbottom 69), Briscoe, D'Laryea, Mills (Somner 76), Williams (Silk 80), Clare (Bradley 58), Perry. Subs not used: Silk, Sandercombe, Jones, Naylor, Ryan.

Leicester: Weale (Logan 56), O' Neill, Brown (Tunchev 60), Morrison, Berner (Powell 46), Gradel (Adams 60), Wellens (Ajdarevic 80), King, Dyer (Chambers 71), Howard (Dickov 46), N' Guessan. Subs not used: Hobbs, Verma.