Ross Duggan reflects on change in goalscoring fortunes at AFC Mansfield

Wind back 365 days, and Maltby Main striker Ross Duggan had scored just three goals in five months for the Miners.
By Oli Mooney
Published 11th Apr 2020, 13:41 BST
Updated 20th Apr 2020, 15:28 BST
Ross Duggan scores five against Sleaford Town in the FA Cup Extra Preliminary RoundRoss Duggan scores five against Sleaford Town in the FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round
Ross Duggan scores five against Sleaford Town in the FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round

Today, he tops the scoring charts in the Northern Counties East League with 34 goals in 32 appearances in all competitions for AFC Mansfield.

Of the Bulls’ 33 league goals, Duggan bagged 20 including braces against Knaresborough, Eccleshill and Staveley on both occasions, whilst netting 14 times in cup competitions.

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Not even the likes of Liversedge’s Joe Walton or Yorkshire Amateur’s Ashley Flynn could score as many.

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Ross Duggan opens the scoring in a 1-1 draw with PenistoneRoss Duggan opens the scoring in a 1-1 draw with Penistone
Ross Duggan opens the scoring in a 1-1 draw with Penistone

“I knew if I played more then I would score more goals than I had in previous seasons,” Duggan said, “but I didn’t think I would be up there with the top scorers in the league, never mind top of the pile.”

“To do it in my debut season with AFC is even better.”

Bulls boss Matt Chatfield revealed Duggan was amongst the very first of his transfer targets

To the Rotherham-born man, it was all about repaying the faith shown by the man who brought him to the club.

Ross Duggan slots home the leveller in AFC’s 3-2 FA Vase win over local rivals Rainworth.Ross Duggan slots home the leveller in AFC’s 3-2 FA Vase win over local rivals Rainworth.
Ross Duggan slots home the leveller in AFC’s 3-2 FA Vase win over local rivals Rainworth.
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“It was great to be given the chance to play regularly,” said the AFC talisman.

“Last season was just a bad one all-round, I wasn’t playing much and went to a couple of other teams including Belper and Handsworth and wasn’t playing much there either.

“I wanted a change and a new challenge and hoped for more game time and the gaffer promised me that.

“It definitely turned out to be the right decision as the management team got me my confidence back and got me firing.”

Ross Duggan fires in a 35-yard screamer against BridlingtonRoss Duggan fires in a 35-yard screamer against Bridlington
Ross Duggan fires in a 35-yard screamer against Bridlington
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His relentless determination to do better paved the way for several truly memorable moments for Mansfield; from scoring five in an FA Cup opener at Sleaford to curling home a 120th minute Vase winner against Hanley, Duggan pulled off the impossible time and time again.

“That Hanley goal was probably my best one. We all thought it was going to a replay at their place but I knew if I could get just one more chance I might be able to prevent it.

“I’ll admit I probably held onto the ball for too long but the defence opened up and I just went for it.

“You just can’t explain the feeling, it’s class.”