February 11 1989 Mansfield Town 4 Southend United 0

GEORGE Foster got his managerial career off to the perfect start as Keith Cassells netted twice in this demolition job.

Stepping up from his role from veteran central defender to young player-boss, he was part of a team that shook off an uncertain start to run out convincing winners.

The victory also doubled as Mansfield's first of the calendar year and owed much to the positive attitude installed by the new man at the helm.

Brian Cox made a fine save from Martin Robinson in the early exchanges as Southend started on the front foot.

But the Stags, playing in front of a lowest crowd of the season of 2,414, hit back quickly to net twice to put their visitors on the back foot.

Encouraged to get forward, Steve Charles found space in the 18th minute to hammer home a left-foot shot from the edge of the box after Cassells' shot on the turn had been blocked.

But Cassells was soon on the scoresheet himself just before the half hour mark as he swept home a deep right-wing cross from man of the match Craig McKernon.

A nervy spell from Mansfield just before the break was quickly forgotten almost immediately after the restart as Cassells struck again.

McKernon was the provider once more as his defence-splitting pass allowed Gordon Owen to race away and square for the striker to slot home unmarked.

Owen should have made it four as the Stags began to play with confidence, only to fire straight at Paul Sansome.

But they eventually wore down Southend to claim a fourth goal when John Ryan swung over a left-wing centre that Kevin Kent headed past Sansome.

Mansfield: Cox, McKernon, Kearney, Hodges, Foster, Coleman, Owen (Leishman), Charles, Kent, Cassells, Ryan. Sub not used: Anderson.