They’re like buses really, you wait ages for one, and two come along together – the same can said of games between Mansfield Town, and Sunderland who, throughout footballing history, have rarely met, in fact, prior to last season’s FA Cup clash, the last was back in 2003, in the League Cup, where one of tonight’s interviewees, Darren Williams (1996-2004), was in the Sunderland line-up; the other, is Sunderland legend, and former captain, Gary Bennett (1984-1995).
Between them, Darren and Gary have racked up well over 700 games for the north-east club, but they’ve only played Mansfield a handful of times, although Gary does have another, Nottinghamshire claim to fame with Bennett as well, a certain debut goal, back in 84, past ex-Nottingham Forest legend, then Southampton ‘keeper, Peter Shilton.
As for the FA Cup however, last time around, just shy of twelve months ago and Nigel Clough’s first official game in charge of the Stags, they headed north and defeated Sunderland 1-0, the goal coming, via George Lapslie’s head, four minutes into the second period; twelve months on and they’ll be hoping for the same again, and in Sunderland.
Speaking exclusively to both Darren Williams and Gary Bennett, they told the Nottingham Sport, the Sunderland perspective, ahead of the big game, with Bennett, a pundit for BBC Radio Newcastle, and current manager of Sunderland West End Ladies for the past three years, having played against the Stags back in the Black Cats’ promotion season of 1987-88.
“Yes, that was our promotion season, and the first time we’d been at the level in the football pyramid,” explained Gary.
“We were lucky enough to bounce back at the first time and the games we had against Mansfield particularly were good ones to have (Sunderland won 4-1 at home, and 4-0 away, en route to winning the Division Three title).
“Now though, even since last seasons’ game, it completely different at Sunderland, different manager, different players, and a different set-up really.
“There’s probably only a handful of players left from last season so it’s up to them to do the job, especially as the cup is just that, the cup, and will no doubt be Mansfield’s big day out, simple as that.
“People will no doubt be expecting an upset and, although I don’t usually go for predictions, I’d like to think we (Sunderland) can get the win.”
Bennett, who was an FA Cup runner-up with Sunderland in the 1993 final (lost 2-0 at Wembley to Liverpool). Made his debut for the Black Cats, in the summer of ’84, at Roker Park, scoring against Southampton after just two minutes.
“I just wanted to do the best I could that so to score, after just two minutes, was great,” continued Gary.
“It was just one of those and (he jokes) I told him (Peter Shilton) that he shouldn’t have bothered diving as he wouldn’t have got to it.”
Bizarrely, Bennett was back in Nottinghamshire decades later, during the latter stages of his playing career, adding; “I played alongside Chrissy Waddle, at Worksop.
“We had some great times there and with a really good bunch of lads and the highlight, even though we lost, was playing away to AFC Bournemouth in the FA Cup (First Round, 2001-02 season).”
Darren Williams meanwhile, currently Head Coach for Northumbria University’s International Students for the past three years, playing both BUCS and showcase games, played in the next to last meeting between the two sides, and against a future teammate.
A couple a days after Sunderland had lost the season opener, away to Nottingham Forest, the Black Cats were back in the area to face the Stags, in the opening round of the League Cup, Sunderland opening the scoring thanks to David Artell own-goal, Mansfield equalising via a Kevin Kyle own-goal, before the latter nabbed the winner, literally, a minute later.
“Games like this, especially with Mansfield, are always tight,” explained Darren.
“Look at that League Cup meeting we had in ’03, that was a good, tight one, but Sunderland, right now, they need to get back to winning ways.
“They aren’t slow games either, that one was an intense, battling one and this, being a cup game, you’d expect a few changes from us, maybe play a few younger lads, but I wouldn’t change too much.
“We need to be focussing on rebuilding our confidence, and a game like this should do that.”
That then-Mansfield-cum-Sunderland player in which Williams played against back in 03, midfielder Liam Lawrence – “I think we clashed a few times that night,” laughed Williams, “so I was glad when he joined us, especially as he was a good player.”
Williams left Sunderland in 2004, soon moving into management, but his time in Red & White meant a lot to him, and he, like Bennett, is hedging his bets on a home win.
“I really enjoyed it there, loved it,” smiled Darren.
“I didn’t want to leave them but things happen for a reason, and I left with a heavy heart, especially as I wanted to end my career there.
“This game though, depending on our defence and the goals we’ve shipped lately, I’m saying a 3-1 home win.”
Sunderland host Mansfield Town in the FA Cup, at the Stadium of Light, kick-off at 3pm, the visitors looking for the second successive victory against their north-east hosts.
*Article provided by Peter Mann (Senior Correspondent).
*Main image @mansfieldtownfc the Stags celebrate George Lapslie’s winner at Sunderland last year.
