Blades win friendly as fringe players impress Stags boss Evans

The Blades, who fielded an experienced line-up, were 2-0 ahead after half-an-hour before Stags’ loanee defender Alex Iacovitti headed in a cross from an un-named trialist shortly before half-time.

Goalkeeper Brian Jensen played in goal for the Stags, with Mitchell Rose operating at right back, teenager Kieran Harrison at left back and Iacovitti and Lee Collins occupying the central defensive positions.

Rose was substituted during the match after a bang on the hip, which is not thought to be serious.

His departure paved the way for Oscar Gobern to slot in at left-back while Harrison was moved to the opposite side.

Wingers Kevan Hurst and Ashley Hemmings started the game, with the former being replaced by Jason Law and the latter making way for CJ Hamilton during the contest.

Jack Thomas and James Baxendale performed in central midfield roles, while a trialist partnered Danny Rose in attack.

As the game passed the hour, central midfielder Cameron Healey was introduced to the action, coming on for Rose, who has scored two goals in as many first team matches as a second-half substitute in the last two outings.

United scored a third with almost the last kick of the match, but the Stags’ chief was pleased with the Stags’ workout.

“The match was exactly what we needed,” Evans, told www.mansfieldtown.net.

“It was a great opportunity for us to look at the players who we’ve not seen a lot of, such as Jack Thomas, CJ Hamilton, James Baxendale etc.

“The game provided us with another step forward in our assessment (of the squad) and I was delighted with the effort shown by the players.”