Mansfield Town 1 Charlton Athletic 1

I’m a bit old fashioned and would like us to take the FA Cup seriously and progress a bit, at least until the 3rd Round. In saying that I fully get why Bowyer made so many changes today, many of which were enforced on him.

There were 9 changes from the game at Walsall, and only 5 sat on the bench. Checkatrade hero Toby Stevenson and Taylor Maloney both began in a midfield five. Dillon Phillips got a chance in goal, but the biggest opportunity of all was for Nicky Ajose. Albie Morgan was on the bench that also saw the return of Billy Clarke after 11 months out.

Mansfield, unbeaten in 10 games, gave us all sorts of problems first half as players seemed to struggle with the formation with square pegs shoved into round holes. The guys on the radio suggested that we changed our formation early in the half to adapt to a strong Mansfield start who hit a post and had one of the line. Mind, we were guilty of some woeful finishing. Both Lapslie and Grant were culpable.

Then on half-time CJ Hamilton gave the Stags a deserved lead. We were better in the 2nd period although Phillips was called into action early. Fosu’s introduction gave us a lift, although he should have done better on a breakaway. Billy Clarke was then introduced to smiles all round.

Not long after Clarke’s entry we scored when Toby Stevenson bundled home a corner to get his name on the scoresheet again.

Ajose had blown another chance to impress and was replaced by Hackett-Fairchild. There was one last chance for the Stags, but the Addicks leave with an undeserved draw, and face two Tuesday games now over the International break.

Addicks at the One Call Stadium: Doctor Kish;
Bow: “You stay in the cup but that’s the worst outcome possible for us”
Photo: @K_AndrewsPhotos