Mansfield Town 0-0 Oldham Athletic (EFL League Two) 09.10.21
The Stags run without a win now lies at ten games in league and EFL Trophy matches after a stalemate at the One Call Stadium today against fellow strugglers Oldham Athletic.
The point is Mansfield’s fourth draw in eleven league games with five defeats and just two wins, but at least keeps Oldham at arms-length, for now, with the Latics currently in 23rd and the second relegation spot ahead of bottom of the table Scunthorpe, with eight points from the same amount of games as Nigel Clough’s men, just two points below the Stags.
Mansfield had a couple of first half chances with Danny Johnson striking wide the best of the early opportunities before an injury to George Maris enforced a substitution midway through the half.
A feisty half of competitive football saw a couple of yellow cards before Oldham created their best opportunity ahead of the break, on 40 minutes Piergianni headed on to the crossbar.
14 minutes added time would follow after the lengthy stoppage to treating Maris who was earlier stretched off, neither side however could trouble either opponents goalkeeper and both Manager’s would have been relieved to get in for a brew at the break, level.
Mansfield made a second change after half time as Burke replaced Hawkins and it wasn’t until the 68th minute when the first real opportunity of the half went to Charsley who’s shot forced a brilliant diving save by Leutwiler.
On 81 Charsley again forced the goalkeeper into a save after good work by Oates who himself had an opportunity to win things late on when he headed from McLaughlin straight into the arms of the relieved Oldham goalkeeper.
So no win in the end but no defeat, ensures Oldham at least don’t move above Mansfield, one plus is the clean sheet whilst another, the Stags third draw in four league games (losing the other against Barrow 1-0) at least showing they have the fighting spirit, to eventually turn things around.
For the fans of Mansfield, the players and for more importantly, Manager Nigel Clough, we hope that is very soon.
Mansfield Town: Bishop, James Clarke, Hawkins (Burke 46), Hewitt, McLaughlin, Maris (Oates 25), Charsley, Lapslie, Ollie Clarke (Ward 61), Bowery, Johnson.
Oldham Athletic: Leutwiler, McGahey, Piergianni, Jordan Clarke, Stobbs, Bowden, Whelen, Couto, Keillor-Dunn, Bahamboula (Hope 85), Dearnley (Bettache 85).
Venue: Field Mill (4,526)
*Main image @mansfieldtownfc a stalemate between Oldham & Mansfield.