Kirkby Town 2-2 Stags

A crowd of nearly 400 watched a young Stags' side gain a draw at Kirkby Town's Pavillion Road ground.

It was a case of 'men versus boys' throughout, but what Stags lacked in age, they made up for in fitness and skill.

With only five minutes on the watch, striker Billy Logan, playing in his home town, tried to catch the home 'keeper off guard with an ambitious 35 yard shot which sailed wide.

The first real opener came on 20 minutes. Conor Higginson was put in the clear thanks to an inch perfect through ball from left back Ben Turner, but the 16 year old rounded the keeper and clipped the post.

Stags gained the advantage less than five minutes later, however. A Higginson corner was flicked on by first year scholar Andreas Ioannou, and captain Billy Logan was on hand to slam home from short range.

Stags then passed a 15 minute spell playing with only ten men. Ioannou came off for treatment due to an ankle problem but wasn't replaced, and it was then when Kirkby stepped up a gear.

On 34, centre back Eddy West hit a weak back-pass to trialist 'keeper Kevin Redgrift, but the custodian was not at all confident with his clearance and it slammed into the onrushing Paul Bramward, who poked the ball home to level the game.

Mansfield then had a chance to restore their lead.  First year scholar Elliot Atkin raced down the left before crossing for Higginson, who should have scored from six yards out.

Kirkby got their noses in front two minutes later. Craig Stanton fired home a sweet half volley from 12 yards out.

Shortly after, Ioannou returned to the field following treatment to his ankle.

Half time: Kirkby Town 2-1 Stags

Two minutes after half time, Stags' striker Grant Ryan headed against a post, and less than a minute later Mansfield were back on level terms.  A through ball from Logan caught out the home defence and left four Stags' players onside.  Substitute Tom Naylor picked up the ball and advanced goalwards to round the keeper and put Stags level.

17 year old Ryan, brimming with confidence after bagging a hat trick on Saturday at Teversal, had the opportunity to put Stags in front.  He raced passed the home defence but blazed his shot wide. 

Stags had further opportunities to make it two wins from two, after full back James Allsopp twice came close, firstly with a glancing header, and secondly a thunderous shot - both of which were off target. 

Mansfield will have been pleased with their work out, as will the home side - around £1,400 was raised on the night for Kirkby - much needed funds for a club of their size. 

And their were noteworthy performances from two of Stags' young guns:  defender Jordan Schofield at centre half - the 17 year old started his first full game tonight after breaking his ankle nearly a year ago - and secondly first year Sam Pursicoe, who put in a classy performance in the centre of the park.

Full time: Kirkby Town 2-2 Stags

Line up: Redgrift, Allsopp, Schofield, West, Turner, Ioannou, Croucher, Pursicoe, Atkin, Higginson, Logan

Used subs: Ryan, Naylor, McCormick, Martey