Colchester United 1-1 Mansfield Town (EFL League Two) 17.08.21

Mansfield Town were denied a third straight league win of the season with a soft stoppage time penalty as Freddy Sears cancelled out Elliott Hewitt’s opener at the Community Stadium.

In a competitive first half, both sides had chances with the Stags registering their first major attempt after just eight minutes when Ollie Clarke’s shot from range was spilled by the goalkeeper who did well to smother Danny Johnson’s effort on the follow up.

Johnson then had two headers at goal in quick succession, his first blocked by Eastman on 15 before two minutes later a fine attempt flicked over the bar by the U’s goalkeeper George as it looked to be nestling into the top corner.

At the other end Frank Nouble tested the Stags goal by heading straight at Nathan Bishop, Nouble then shot wide from inside the box when he might have done better.

In the second half Mansfield continued to push and went close again when Quinn fed Johnson who’s low shot was saved by George, after a stop-start opening to the second period which saw James Perch wrapped up in bandages to a head wound, Johnson then shot wide on 64 before finally the goal came, an exceptional delivery by Stephen Quinn headed home like a bullet by Elliott Hewitt, his first Stags goal on his full league debut.

As Mansfield changed tactic to hang on, the Stags looked to keep Colchester at arm’s length, literally, as a claim for a penalty was waved away after Nouble’s shot hit Hewitt on the arm with nothing given, but minutes into stoppage time the Referee did give the home side a spot kickm, Nouble looked to have slipped bringing the ball under possession and McLaughlin was penalised. Freddy Sears stepping up to hit his penalty to the right of Goalkeeper Nathan Bishop who got fingertips to it, but couldn’t keep it out.

After the match, Manager Nigel Clough stated “I thought we were very good at times tonight and controlled the games for long periods. We created numerous opportunities and Nathan Bishop has had very little to do.

“We had several chances to get ahead. That’s the frustrating part, then the penalty tops it off.

“It’s still a point, but it’s in the last minute and everyone’s a little bit down. We were on top and should’ve won, but seven points from nine with an away point is never bad.”

Colchester United: George, Welch-Hayes, Chambers, Eastman (Coxe 35), Hannant (Jasper 74), Judge, Skuse, Clampin (Daniels 59), Chilvers, Sears, Nouble.

Mansfield Town: Bishop, Hewitt, Rawson, Perch, McLaughlin, Maris, Clarke, Quinn, Lapslie (Stirk 79), Johnson (Hawkins 82), Oates (Bowery 87).

Venue: Colchester Community Stadium (2,354)

*Main image @mansfieldtownfc action from the Jobserve Community Stadium as Stags are denied.