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Three points in the bag, and there was barely any doubt virtually from the kick off. Two stupid examples of defending by Halifax gave Shrewsbury Town a corner from which Mickey Heathcote scored a free header for a goal in the second minute that was easy even by training ground standards. In the first half the only thing that would have parted us from maximum points was our own complacency as we strode around entirely in command of the game. A spell of pressure midway through the first half saw Aiston’s shot from outside the box hit the bar and Redmile’s shot from out of the melee resulting from the rebound cleared off the line. Finally Halifax scrambled the ball.
The other notable incident in the first half was Rodgers going in two-footed for a 50/50 ball in the Halifax penalty area and being booked.
Town lined up today as follows:
Dunbavin
Drysdale Heathcote Redmile Rioch
Murray Atkins Woan
Aiston Lormer Rodgers
The dreaded 4-3-3. For most of the game Aiston operated on the left and Rodgers on the right. Late substitutions were made, Lowe for Lormer and Wilding for Atkins, but this 11 saw Halifax off with no problems. The second goal, barely ten minutes into the second half, killed the game. Tenacious work by Murray got the ball to Lormer who set up Rodgers who slotted it past the goalkeeper with no trouble. At this point we could have got a hatful if we wanted.
The third goal came from a rare attack by Halifax. Dunbavin cleared the danger and Rodgers laid the ball off for Aiston, who burst into the box and delicately chipped the goalkeeper. Three-nil midway through the second half.
In a similar situation Mansfield fans could take no more but Halifax fans – those who had turned up – stayed to the bitter end. I have no words of comfort: it is clear that Halifax Town do not have what it takes to avoid the drop.
Next stop Exeter and then Rushden, who are the only team to have made us look complete mugs. It is going to have to be the strongest of performances in every one of the remaining games to secure a play-off place.
My individual comments are as follows:
Dunbavin – 6 He had nothing to do.
Drysdale – 7 Stout in defence, but not that sorely tested. Early on his distribution was poor.
Rioch – 6 He did nothing wrong today but Thompson is the better player.
Heathcote – 7 A goal for Mickey that was so easy he seemed too embarrassed to celebrate it. I saw him miss a tackle: first of the season.
Redmile – 7 Like all of the defence he was underemployed and not put under any real pressure.
Atkins – 8 In control today. Against better teams he has struggled in a three man midfield.
Woan – 7 Deft passing and dangerous from set pieces. With Luke now back he has a whole number of forward runners to target. This will be a crucial aspect of the run-in
Murray – 7 Karl drives me nuts. He is always indecisive about whether to lay the ball off or bring it forward. He is so strong on the ball he should be carving through that midfield and defence. Defensively outstanding.
Aiston – 8 Dangerous throughout and scored. Sam looks more controlled at the moment, there were less mazy runs. The one advantage of the 4-3-3 system is he receives the ball further up the field.
Lormer – 7 A quieter day than of late for Tony, but he did get an assist. His link up play was impressive and helped the team’s attacks to flow – which they did all afternoon. He had one headed chance that he should have made better use of.
Rodgers – 8 Thankfully he is back. On this evidence he will create and score chances in the games to come.
The Broseleys witnessing some prime Jemson driving skills along the London Road capped the day. The guy needs to be careful who he cuts up, if I stand on the accelerator my Saab sucks in so much air that a mere VW Golf gets stuck in the radiator grill. And why did he race the white Lexus and then brake hard on the wrong side of the road putting the fear of the Almighty up Darby and Joan in the Escort? Someone should have a word in his shell-like I think.
Today’s game was sponsored by the away supporters team. The team photograph in the programme gave me the opportunity to show Mrs Broseley the team member who it is said I resemble. “Oh dear” she said.