An exciting game at the Vale saw Evesham eventually came out winners in an 11 goal thriller against Mansfield.

The long trip from Mansfield didn’t fase the visitors, and it was Mansfield who started the strongest.   Solid positioning and passing with Evesham struggling to get going.  Mansfield capitalised with 2 goals, and despite a penalty shout from Evesham, the quarter ended with a deserved 2 goal lead for the visitors.

Evesham roused in the second period and started to put some pressure on Mansfield.  The Robins got one back after 10 mins (Ben G), however the game was stopped soon after with a bad injury to Ben Clarke.  After a long break for treatment  both sides had chances, however it was Ben Gudger who scored with nearly the last kick of the game, rounding the keeper and make it 2-2 at the break. 

Into the second half, and Mansfield took the lead again with a great finish from the edge of the box.  Some good play from both teams, and the Mansfield forwards (19 and 9)  asking the questions of the Evesham back line.  Evesham equalised from a corner with Archie following up from close range from a corner; 3-3.   Evesham now had their tails up and were pressing for another goal, hitting the post and going close  on a number of occasions, however in a 3 minute spell, Mansfield scored 2 almost identical goals with some clinical finishing on the RHS, to make it 3-5 at the end of the quarter.  Advantage to the visitors.

Final quarter and both sides pushing hard. Evesham made it 4-5 with a great header from Dan from an excellent cross from Charlie Cant.  Evesham equalised 3 mins later, Ben Gudger getting his hat-trick from close range following goood play from Hayden.   All to play for at 5-5, however it was Evesham who scored to get in the lead for the first time, with an sweet strike from outside the box from Dan to make it 6-5.  Mansfield reacted well and put significant pressure on the home team, with a number of late corners and some good chances, however couldn’t force another goal, and the game ended 6-5 to Evesham.

This was a fantastic game of football, and credit is due to both teams for their huge levels of commitment and positive attitude throughout. Good luck to Mansfield for the rest of the season.