Andy Todd’s second-string eased to a comfortable 4-0 win over Grimsby Town this afternoon.
In a match which was played at Eastwood Town’s Coronation Park, powerful frontman Matt Rhead netted a brace, whilst Ben Hutchinson and Chris Clements were also on target.
Hutchinson opened the scoring on 11 minutes when he expertly turned away from his marker on the edge of the area and unleashed a left-foot drive into the top corner.
The Stags were in ruthless mood and almost doubled their advantage as Hutchinson’s goalbound volley from a Matt Rhead flick on was bravely blocked by Ellis Humble.
Humble’s last ditch intervention prevented Rhead from an easy tap-in on the half-hour mark, and the powerful frontman also saw a low shot well-saved by Greg Fleming.
At the other end, the Mariners came close to an equaliser when Liam Hearn broke past Ryan Tafazolli and saw his swerving 20-yard strike palmed away by Shane Redmond.
However, shortly before half-time, Chris Clements doubled our advantage.
Jamie Tolley and Ben Hutchinson combined well, with a simple pass being rolled into the path of an advancing Clements, who duly slotted beyond an advancing Fleming.
The Stags continued to dominate possession in the second period and soon had another two goals to show for their superiority over the youthful Mariners.
Rhead deservedly got on the scoresheet with a quick turn-and-shot into the net, before he guided home Andy Todd’s left-wing cross two minutes later.
Towering Tafazolli came close to adding a fifth as his toe-poked attempt from Hutchinson’s back-post corner, forced Fleming into a superb low save.
Player/Coach Todd also whistled two separate attempts over the woodwork late on, as our reserves ultimately emerged as comfortable winners.
Team: Redmond, Sutton, Geohaghon, Tafazolli, Pilkington, Howell, Tolley, Clements, Todd, Rhead, Hutchinson. Subs: Marsden, Birch, Lamb, Flint, Thomas.
