CATLING'S CORNER STAGS BLOG: Great debut from Hakeem

Welcome to the last blog of the season and to start I'm going to talk about the game against Cambridge United on Saturday.
Mansfield Town v Cambridge Utd.
Debutant Hakeem makes a lively start in the second half.Mansfield Town v Cambridge Utd.
Debutant Hakeem makes a lively start in the second half.
Mansfield Town v Cambridge Utd. Debutant Hakeem makes a lively start in the second half.

In what was a game of poor quality with nothing riding on the result, we probably did edge the second half in my opinion with the debut of Zayn Hakeem livening things up.

It was like a testimonial match as both teams went through the motions. Krystian Pearce and captain Lee Collins had good games as well as Matty Blair and young Zayn Hakeem, who also stood out.

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When this lad came on he lifted the whole team. He was without doubt quicker than Greeny (Matt Green) and with a good pre-season under him we’ll hopefully see more of this young lad next season. Well played Zayn.

Zayn has just come from the youth team and a huge congratulations to them for winning their league. I hope a few of them, like Saturday, will play for the first team.

In the player of the season awards Ryan Tafazolli rightfully picked them all up – well done Taff. You’ve had your best season with us and we all hope you stay with us next season.

Earlier this week local lad Jack Thomas signed a new deal as well which is good for next season - ‘Jacky Thomas he’s one of our own’!

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As people have asked me, I’m going to give my summary of the season.

All in all it was a very good season, but looking back the home form hasn’t been good enough and the month of March let us down in the end.

If this wasn’t the case we’d definitely be in the play-offs.

I’ve enjoyed this season as it couldn’t have got any worse than last season’s team.

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To finish 12th is good but maybe a little bit disappointing after having just one bad month.

Our players have given their all and, hopefully, with a bit more quality and the renewal of most of our players’ contracts we will be a top team next season.

In my opinion we need to be at least in the play-offs next season.

The main priorities are a striker to play with Greeny, a right back and a couple of X-Factor players for tight games are also on the menu.

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So to end, if anybody wants me please keep in touch by adding Danny Catling on Facebook or by Twitter on which I can easily be found as well.

So well done Adam Murray’s barmy army and I’ll see you all for pre season.

My blog will be back the first week of pre-season, which hopefully won’t be long, ready for the promotion push next season.

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