Picture the scene if you’re not too familiar with it already. It’s February 2003, just shy of a month after what is still, largely considered to be the greatest derby day victory in Mansfield Town’s modern day history (a story which I’ll probably pick up on at a later date) and the Nationwide League Division 2 fixture for this particular winter Saturday has thrown up Nottinghamshire rivals Notts County.

Prior to the 3pm Kick Off at Field Mill, the current league standings showed that this should be a tasty encounter, Stags occupied the final relegation slot in 21st. Whilst the Pies were in the lofty position of 15th, but a win for the yellows would see us overtake them. So the stakes were high for both of us.

Of course i’ve missed out one of the key points in this local derby, it was the return of former manager Billy Dearden. Mr Dearden had left his post at the Mill in the middle of our promotion campaign to take over the roll of manager at Notts County. Mixed emotions for alot of the Stags faithful, but we weren’t to know the ins and outs of the whole fiasco, but when Billy walked down the tunnel he received what can only be referred to as a hugely hostile reception (well, the one i remember anyway). Cries of ;

‘Billy Dearden, what a w…”

and other such expletives were being voiced from all corners. But he brushed it off as was his professional duty.

With the first half ending in a 0-0 scoreline, you’d have been forgiven for thinking that both teams were looking to consolidate the current scoreline and try to nick one on the counter, but nothing could be further from the truth as the 2nd half exploded.

An early scare for the Stags as former frontman Mark Stallard (well, he wasn’t a former Stag back then, but you get what i mean) broke clean through the defensive line and looked certain to score, but could only lift his shot high and wide of Kevin Pilkington’s goal and he was made to rue that missed chance as little over 2 minutes later  good work from Wayno Cordihno on the left flank enabled him to drive a low ball across the County box and Andy White was on had to slide the ball into the empty net. Stags 1 up after 52 minutes. Youngster Craig Mitchell replaced the goalscoring White and was rewarded with a goal 10 minutes after coming on. Craig Disley out-jumped the County midfield to nod the ball onto Mitchell, who nodded the ball down to Lee Williamson, a powerful run through the centre of the County half gave Williamson the chance to thread the ball back through to Mitchell, who had ghosted past the defence and smashed the ball home. 2-0 up and absolutely cruising, County were shell-shocked and didn’t know what had hit them.  The oustanding Wayne Corden seemingly added the knockout blow to our near neighbours with an absolutely sublime piece of craftsman ship. Picking the ball up just outside the 18 yard box towards the north stand corner, Corden carried the ball down the line, dropping his shoulder past not 1, but 2 defenders before curling an absolute peach past the helpless Mildenhall. Field Mill was rocking to the jubilant sound of ‘We Will Rock You’ which was blasting out over the tannoys (well, that’s an assumption because i can’t quite remember if it was or not, but it always used to in the early noughties, so i’ll stick my neck out and say it was that!)

Game set and match? Not on your life. We are Mansfield Town! And to quote the then manager Keith Curle;

‘Theirs an easy way, a hard way and a Mansfield Town way’.

The yellow seats of the Quarry Lane end were already starting to be spotted as the previously packed away end began to empty, probably through shear embarassment at the way their team were being torn apart. But Stallard gave the OAP’s something to shout about when he blasted a half volley past Pilko to give them a glimmer of hope with 10 minutes remaining. County were starting to get on top of the game and were forcing us into our half and the finger nails were down to bare knuckles when the same County striker struck again 3 minutes from time with stoppage time to add onto that. Beating the Stags defence on the edge of the box he superbly curled the ball into the corner and it was game on! Fortunately, as i’m sure you’re all fully aware we recorded the victory and leapfrogged the old folk and occupied 17th place.

A blast from the past, a happy memory. One of the things that i, along with many of you follow Football for religously. Looking for that next high, the next time we’ll get the last minute winner buzz or a stuffing of the local rivals.

If you’ve enjoyed this, then speak up as i’m looking into doing a few more in the future, of games that stand out in the memory banks. If i’ve been to the game and remember it well enough, then i’ll write about it! But seeing as i’m in my early 20’s, my knowledge is probably restricted to around the same dates as this game upto today. Thanks for reading!

Up the Stags!

Picture: Dan Westwell