Clipstone Under-18s claim first win as they topple Mansfield Town under-18s

Winless after their first four games, the young Cobras arrived focused and prepared in cold and wet conditions – and fought back from 3-1 down to win 4-3.

Both teams’ attacking intent was clear from the outset and Clipstone’s Jack Lowe was at everything good coming from the Cobras. However, Mansfield Town took an early lead with a neat finish from close range after a fast start.

That didn’t deter the home side and once they levelled through Harry Lindsey the nerves settled.

The young Stags did retake the lead but Clipstone carried a consistent threat and missed good opportunities. Jack Lowe might equalised just before the break, but first he was denied by the keeper and then put the rebound over the bar.

After half-time the Stags made it 3-1, but knowing a fifth successive defeat was possible the Cobras fighting spirit was clear to see. They continued to create goalscoring opportunities and were eventually rewarded.

First Kyle Crook pounced on a loose pass before driving towards goal. He then showed great composure to calmly slide the ball beneath the keeper and into the net.

The goal lifted the home side’s confidence and they quickly levelled.

This time Crook turned provider after linking up well with Charlie Knott. The ball then fell loose and Knott made a driving run, evading a couple of challenges and finished impressively, to make it 3-3.

An action-packed match was then completed when Crook got his second of the game as Clipstone took the lead for the first time.

Lowe attacked the Mansfield defence with purpose before turning the ball across goal. The Stags defence couldn’t clear the danger and Crook was on hand to swivel and poke the ball into an open net.

A swirling wind was becoming more of a factor but Clipstone reshaped and went to a back five, bringing on Jenson Power to stabilise the defence.

Keeper Will Sherwood also made good saves to keep the young Stags at bay as Clipstone held out for their first win.