The safety "at last" game (well not technically, but nearly) Cambridge Vs Mansfield

[AdamStag]

Well, tomorrow will serve up a game of where players, fans and board members can potentially get the champagne out on saturday night knowing we are mathematically safe. Neither are there just yet, but have all but their little toe in league 2 next season.

Games have been close between us, 0-0 in the league, 2-2 in the FA cup and then a cheeky 1-0 for Cambridge in the 2nd round replay. Given that and we are on the same points I think 1 goal will sneak it.

Just not sure who! Should be a good day all the same

 

[Tom_CUFC]

No motivation for this game whatsoever, just want to get it out of the way and get onto the last 2 games which will be 99% about getting absolutely hammered and 1% about football.

Despite how woeful and uninterested we were on Tuesday, and that we only have 2 wins in 3 months, and that none of those have been at home, and that our manager is going to keep persisting with players and a system that isn't working, I think we'll win 1-0. Mansfield are as bad as we are (recently, over the season, and the 3 times we've played each other), but will be much more relaxed after their result on Tuesday, whereas I think at least a couple of ours will play with a point to prove and we'll nab one at some point without being tested enough at the back to shit our pants and concede (unlike Tuesday), it will be an ugly spectacle throughout though.

 

[Habbinalan]

Because of goal difference, either Cheltenham or Hartlepool would need to win all 3 and reach 49 points to get past US. A draw or better (ideally on Saturday) would seal it for us but I can't see many reaching for the champagne. Something stronger, to dull the memory of the last couple of months, would be more likely. I'm not expecting "a good day." That would require a good performance and a home win.

A draw would put YOU out of reach of Tranmere but Hartlepool (50 points possible) and Cheltenham (49 points and at least -21 GD possible) could still get above you with 3 wins. So I guess we'd take a draw and you'd be happy with the same if Hartlepool and Cheltenham were behind in their games in the second half. That's a potential recipe for players/managers not having their mind on the job in hand, not to mention a turgid game.

Again, I don't know what performance to expect or team we'll put out. I'm hoping that Simpson, Slew, Hunt and Morrisey get a start. I'd prefer Ball to stay at right back but that leaves Nelson in the middle of defence and probably Champion in midfield. They were terrible at Cheltenham as well as most recent home matches, yet back nearer their best (which is still only solid effective defence with rubbish distribution) at Northampton.

It has 0-0 written all over it, with a nervous, fractious crowd of sub 5,000. I shall go, hoping for a 3-1 thriller with Bobby Jo Taylor, combining seamlessly with Dominic Ball down the right, reminding 4,900 U's and 600 Stags what a proper winger can do for Tom Elliot.

 

[Laker]

I'd be delighted with 0-0. In fact, I'd like both sides to play 10-0-0 and then sit down on the half way line for 90 minutes with not a single attack. I can then go into the supporter's club and enjoy a couple of beers safe in the knowledge we won't be going down.

In truth, I've got no idea what's going to happen. I thought we'd turned the corner at Northampton but we've followed it up with two dire performances at home to Accrington and then at Cheltenham, taking just one point. We might surprise everyone and play a fast brand of attacking football however it does seem very unlikely.

 

[AdamStag]

Having seen them about 30 times this season, I can confirm any matches involving Mansfield this season is going to be crap, just generally crap, not much entertainment, not much of anything fun, just dull.

Unlike other fans that get pissy when they get called crap, at least our lot know we are crap.

 

[AtaturkOzgutson]

Unlike other fans that get pissy when they get called crap, at least our lot know we are crap.

We've won 2 of our last 20 matches. We are AWESOME.

Meh, not really arsed about the safety angle in this one, it might not be mathematical, but come on, let's not be daft. Anyway, one win in twelve league games at home needs to be addressed. Our attendances have held up, we could do with something to encourage people to turn up again next season!

 

[Amber Nectar]

="... and 600 Stags...

No chance! Be lucky to reach 300. I would 200-250 would be a good guesstimate.

 

[Arbury]

Like others I have no interest in this, the players have had the flip flops on for the past two months and I'm surprised attendances have held up as good as they have, frankly bar the northampton game we've been utter wank so for that reason I won't be attending, not until the players get the passion on the pitch as much as off it, supporters want 100% every game not whenever the players/management feel like it.

Think we'll Nick the win, only just though.


KTF.

 

[Amber Nectar]

I'll be happy with a draw. After this we can then hopefully play with a bit more freedom and play some of the players who haven't been in the side recently, including some young pros.

 

[Baratheon]

1-0 down already. What a surprise!

 

[Amber Nectar]

We are absolute dog shot. Thankfully not at game but somehow still listening to the game on the radio. Major changes needed preseason.

 

[Baratheon]

At least we are now safe from the dreaded trapdoor with the other results which went our way. It has been the story of the last few months, fortunately for us.

 

[StagsForLife]

At least we are now safe from the dreaded trapdoor with the other results which went our way. It has been the story of the last few months, fortunately for us.

Another Mansfield poster!

Welcome to the forum mate.

We're extremely lucky as this wouldn't of stayed up last season that's for sure.

 

[Laker]

Job done and lovely to finally get a home win, and to be the ones to secure our own safety.

Wouldn't say it was vintage but there were a few flashes of us earlier in the season which was nice to see.

 

[Habbinalan]

It has 0-0 written all over it, with a nervous, fractious crowd of sub 5,000. I shall go, hoping for a 3-1 thriller with Bobby Jo Taylor, combining seamlessly with Dominic Ball down the right, reminding 4,900 U's and 600 Stags what a proper winger can do for Tom Elliot.

Well I got my 3-1 and although not a thriller it was a good day for a nervous sub 5,000 crowd. Richard had his serious head on today and the team delivered. Unfortunately, key performances were from our 2 loanees, Ball and Kaikai. Morrisey (especially first half), Elliot and Dunk shone and we were solider without Donaldson despite his replacement's failings.

Clear out to come but Richard, quite rightly, reminded us that we owe a debt to these guys who have been frustrating all of us for the last 2 months.

 

[AdamStag]

Why more do you want.

Not won a game in 17 matches?
Not won at home since 2013?
Not scored more than 1 goal in a match in 58 matches

Never fear, Mansfield are in town and we can solve all problems you might have.

 

[Tom_CUFC]

Good result, decent performance and the right response after Tuesday, a lot of them getting stuck in today which was absolutely necessary, much more shape and fluidity to the team without Donaldson on (not today necessarily as he wasn't on long enough, but more over recent games), only went to pot a bit when for some reason we decided to switch Dunk and Taylor when it had been working quite well with Taylor at LM and Dunk at LB. Absolute gift of a goal we gave them though and never really in danger at 2-1. Great to see Tommy on the scoresheet again, stick it in the box at his head and he will score goals. Kaikai, different class today.

Mansfield were woeful, keeper had a mare which was surprising as he looked good against us when he played earlier in the season, whole team looked a lot like we did on Tuesday night at Cheltenham, disinterested and completely devoid of ideas. A lot of work for us both to do in the summer.

 

[Flaxman's Alibi]

The end of the season can't come quickly enough for us now, before the authorities book the football club under the trade description act for using the term 'football team'. Also i feel for the sanity of our supporters, as this season ranks an easy 2nd (behind our 2008 relegation one) as the most miserable and uninspiring advert for a Sky Sports Tv subscription in our history.

Players of questionable ability. Of questionable mentality. And of a love and care for the club that would make a spireite purr.

Not a solitary one of them cares anywhere near as much as the manager, and i hope that he remembers this on P45 day.

 

[Baratheon]

Another Mansfield poster!

Welcome to the forum mate.

We're extremely lucky as this wouldn't of stayed up last season that's for sure.

Thanks for the welcome. Only just discovered this forum. I used to post on TFF under a different tag (Ned Stark). Some very familiar tags on here!

 

[Richard Cranium]

Missed the 1st, seen the 2nd and left. What an awful side we are. Roll on the 3rd of May!

 

[Conker]

I really don't think Murray should still be manager by the time next season starts.

 

[Richard Cranium]

I like Murray, I think we will see a completely different approach next season. Muzza wants to play Football. We have to give him longer than 6 months before judging him. After Cox's first 6 months we were about 13 points off the play offs in the bottom half of the Conference and then finished 3rd on 89 points!

The only first teamer under contract for next season is Thomas, who at 18 is our best player. So Murray can get rid of everyone and I think bar 4/5 he probably will. Radford needs to give him the tools to move us forward though, Another 700k budget and it will be another relegation battle for us.

On another note, does any Mansfield fan on here seriously rate Sacha Studer at all?

 

[WH_Stag]

Studer is a good shot stopper, and has pulled off some incredible saves however.... Doesnt command his box well and makes costly mistakes.. Potential to be a very good keeper but we need to get him out on loan and bring in a quality experienced keeper

 

[AdamStag]

Saw the goals, they were terrible.

I think Murray will do alright next season - I expect a lot of changes throughout the summer - hopefully most of the players will go

 

[Richard Cranium]

Waste of wages, We've got 2/3 young keepers coming through who all look decent. I'd rather nurture one of those with an experienced number 1, and not Lenny Pidgely either. A few seem to think Radford is going to back Muzza next season so lets hope so.

 

[AdamStag]

I don't think either Studer or Pidgely are good enough, I don't rate either.

If we could have a team with Marsden, Fitzpatrick, Thomas, Bingham and Clements (if we play football that suits his game and he pulls his socks up) we've a basis for an alright side.

 

[Richard Cranium]

Agreed, I'd kep Taffazolli if we can aswell. We all know he can be a really good player, Just like Clements he needs to sort his head out and look like he wants it. Clements has the ability to play much higher, I really do believe he just looks average because of our lack of football. When he's on the ball he's a class above. Although his set pieces are terrible.

 

[AdamStag]

Agreed, I'd kep Taffazolli if we can aswell. We all know he can be a really good player, Just like Clements he needs to sort his head out and look like he wants it. Clements has the ability to play much higher, I really do believe he just looks average because of our lack of football. When he's on the ball he's a class above. Although his set pieces are terrible.

I was under the impression he's off to Sheff U?

 

[Richard Cranium]

God knows, If they've seen him this side of Christmas I wouldn't go anywhere near him. Would be be due compo for him should he leave?

 

[AdamStag]

God knows, If they've seen him this side of Christmas I wouldn't go anywhere near him. Would be be due compo for him should he leave?

If he's under 24, i'd imagine so, which he is?