AFC Mansfield boss labels opening day defeat as a sucker-punch

AFC Mansfield were beaten at the death. PIc by Peter Craggs.

The Bulls looked to be heading for a point despite having to play most of the second half with ten men after Jack Harrison was red-carded on 49 minutes.

But Daniel Naidole scored with the last meaningful kick of the game to give the promotion favourites all three points.

“It feels like a sucker punch conceding in the last 40 seocnds of the game,” Chatfield said.

AFC Mansfield work hard to hold on to the ball. Pic by Peter Craggs.

“I don't think they had enough to beat us. They had a lot of the ball but not enough to penetrate us.

“It is disappointing to concede like that, but especially so when we played most of the second half with ten men.

“That is the talking point, I don’t think it is a red but if they have to make a decision it is one they will give.”

Despite the defeat Chatfield was left delighted by the solidity of his defence.

AFC Mansfield had chances to win the game but failed to take them. Pic by Peter Craggs.

“We defended really well,” he added. “They have been fantastic over the last couple of games and we have got a great defensive headache for team selection.

“The defence did not do much wrong. I am delighted with them and how they have matured.”

It was a fairly even start to the game, but on 11 minutes Fernando Moke should have done better when he fired over the bar.

Roy Fogarty saw his effort glance off the bar after a neat turn just inside the box, before Steve Crawford had his driven effort saved comfortably by Hugo Warhurst.

On the half hour mark The Bulls had the best chance of the match when Josh Wilde’s fierce drive was superbly saved by Kyle Trenerry and then Luke Walker’s follow up was cleared off the line.

Adam Priestley then headed over the bar, before shooting wide minutes later.

Luke Walker went close just before the break when his shot on the run curled and dipped narrowly over.

But the game turned on 49 minutes when Jack Harrison was shown red for an innocuous coming together that the referee deemed as a last man foul.

Matt Dempsey shot over before Matt Sykes fired wide.

Ross Duggan beat three men before being denied by an excellent one-handed save.

The Bulls striker then clipped the top of the bar after cutting inside.

But AFC Mansfield paid the price for the misses when Daniel Naidole smashed a shot past Hugo Warhust deep into stoppage time.

AFC Mansfield: Warhurst, Marsden, Wilde, D’Laryea, Annable, Harrison, Karkach, Buxton (C), Walker (Duggan 60), Sykes, Algar (Wilson 78). Subs not used: McMillan, Slone & Pipes.

Yorkshire Amateur: Trenerry, Smith, Henry, Dempsey (C), Beaston, Sharry (Naidole 70), Moke, Crawford, Fogarty, Stewart, Priestley. Subs not used: Flynn, Dixon & Killock.

MoM: Jordan Annable

Att: 65