Mansfield 3-0 Kettering

An administration error left Kettering with only ten players for the trip to Mansfield including debutant Ricky Payne and 14 yr old Dom Cusk.
Kettering set up a half court defence and left Mark Hawkins as the lone striker and after surviving an early barrage Hawkins had a great chance to open the scoring but his shot was cleared off the line. Mansfield's pressure was rewarded in the 29th minute when a bad bobble deceived Ketterings defenders and Mansfield's centre forward coolly lifted the ball into the roof of the net. With skipper Ant Paton, Richard Lashbrooke and youngster Lewis Pywell working hard in midfield Mansfield struggled to break Kettering down. The second half followed a similar pattern but Kettering carved out numerous chances. Two short corners probably should have been scored by outstanding Paul Donnelly and Mansfield keeper made a good save from Paton. Hawkins had a goal controversially disallowed and this renewed Mansfield's enthusiasm and Donnelly was at fault for a short corner goal having deserted his post. A goal 5 minutes from time made the score 3-0. Kettering took a lot of positives from the game and Mansfield left the more frustrated with their performance against a well organised ten man visiting team.