Our Youth team opened up their EFL Youth Alliance League campaign with a 1-1 draw against Mansfield Town at Bradley FDC on Saturday.

Both teams started well in a competitive game but it was Town who opened the scoring after 60 minutes. Essel chased down a long ball, which saw him run into the area before cutting back to smash home past the keeper.

Mansfield started to control possession and got on top with a lot of balls into the box, but Town held strong.

Essel had another chance after some neat play saw his shot cleared off the line with the rebound being initially saved and another shot was blocked.

Town had a similar opening again when clever play by Hodgson saw him pick out Tomlinson whose effort was saved by the keeper, then he dragged the rebound wide.

Mansfield were having a lot of possession but Town were holding firm.

 

The second half was much of the same, Mansfield putting lots of crosses into the Town box and having lots of possession.

The Mariners were still holding their ground but were getting deeper and deeper.

Town had a chance to double their lead on 85 minutes when Bramwell’s free-kick smashed against the crossbar from 30 yards.

But it was Mansfield who equalised in the 93rd minute when a looping cross was bundled in at the back post.

Summary.

A 1-1 draw to open the season in a well-contested game.

Attendance – 102