East Kilbride 0-3 Celtic B

East Kilbride 0-3 Celtic B
Lowland League
Tuesday 21st December 2021

This was actually a much closer game than the scoreline suggests between two teams who've been doing alright in the Lowland League this term.

East Kilbride certainly gave a decent account of themselves. They threatened often but were just unable to convert any of the multiple chances which fell their way - and if they'd breached the Celtic defence on just one occasion it may have changed momentum and paved the way for a different outcome.

Ultimately, the finishing of the two teams was the key difference as Celtic were ruthless and clinical in comparison - partly thanks to Joey Dawson who has developed plenty since I last watched him when he was playing for Scunthorpe United's Under 18s.

Tall, troublesome and a serious threat inside the box, twice Dawson converted before half-time with instinctive first-time finishes on the back of some good build-up play. After plenty of missed chances, Ben Doak then put the result beyond doubt when he made it 3-0 midway through the second period - thus inflicting East Kilbride's first defeat in 15 outings.

It's always a pleasure to visit Scotland and, having completed all 42 SPFL grounds when I paid a visit to Kelty Hearts a few months ago, then it's a natural progression to move onto visiting some places in the Lowland League. That, plus the fact 'youth football' is more my forte nowadays anyway, is why I didn't give a second thought to a 500-mile round trip to watch this game.

The game was nearly put in doubt thanks to Nicola Sturgeon who waited until 2.00pm before announcing the latest bullsh*t Covid-19 restrictions (where attendances at Scottish games will be capped at a maximum of 500 people) won't take effect into Boxing Day! Thank God!

Following a steady start to the season, Celtic's youngsters have been in good, progressive form in the Lowland League in recent weeks - narrowing the gap on Old Firm rivals Rangers who began the campaign well but whose results have tailed off to some extent. The Hoops went into this game having conceded the fewest goals in the division (and knowing a win would put them joint-second behind runaway leaders Bonnyrigg Rose) but they knew they'd be in for a decent test with East Kilbride unbeaten in their previous 15 matches.

K:Park, where this game was played, is a very modest venue located some two miles from the town's railway station from which it was a solid 35-40 minute walk. The 4G playing surface ensures only severe weather conditions will put games in doubt and the two stands on offer are certainly better than the home grounds of some of East Kilbride's counterparts in the Lowland League - notably Caledonian Braves, Civil Service Strollers and Edinburgh University.

Celtic were their traditional green and white hoops and were backed by a small but noisy contingent of a couple of hundred travelling fans who were located behind the goal.

After a sluggish first few minutes where East Kilbride put a couple of efforts over the upright, the visitors began to get a foothold and their pattern play, movement in possession, speed of their transitions from defence to attack and willingness to switch the ball out wide and then deliver into the box to pose problems, was both quite obvious and of a high standard.

A couple of early Celtic corners came to nothing before one such move which had good build-up play led to the opener just past the quarter-hour mark - the ball being well-worked by the visiting youngsters inside East Kilbride's half before a right-sided ball was put into the feet of Joey Dawson who'd took up a clever central-position inside the box. His first-time shot from about eight yards was actually towards the 'keeper but the power of the effort ensured the ball still ended up in the net. 1-0.

In response to the setback, East Kilbride went close with a curling free-kick which was just off-target and they had other good chances to grab a quick equaliser too but a combination of poor finishing, not enough movement from the front players and 'bad luck' in certain scenarios meant they remained behind.

Some of Celtic's play was aggressive and good and Dylan Corr almost netted what would have been a spectacular effort with a zippy, slalom-type run from deep which culminated with a powerful drive that the home 'keeper did well to palm away.

It was a great example of the pace, energy and fluidity in the transition and more pressure just beyond the half-hour mark culminated in a second goal for Celtic (and Dawson). Having won a corner - which actually came from one of his shot's being deflected wide - the ball was delivered into the box, then recycled towards the tall striker at the near-post who delivered a deft back-heel finish to bamboozle the 'keeper and make it 2-0.

Matty Anderson saw an effort kept out as Celtic searched for a third goal before half-time and by the interval, it was clear that it would take something bordering on an extraordinary effort for East Kilbride to pick up anything from the game.

In fairness, the hosts give it a damn good go after the re-start as they forced a plethora of openings (some from aggressive play of their own and some from individual defensive errors) but the goal, which their play deserved, alluded them right up until the end.

Celtic also created more opportunities and Rocco Vata looked odds on to score when he was left in acres of space out wide and afforded a free run into the box on 49 minutes but, again, the East Kilby 'keeper made a miraculous save at the expense of a corner to keep his team in with a fighting chance.

A sustained spell of pressure followed by the senior outfit with Jack Stainrod just about being the hosts' best player - although he was always closely attended to by the Hoops' defenders. Plenty of chances came to pass without a breakthrough goal to halve the deficit as Ryan Mullen tipped a shot wide from Neil McLaughlin, Cammy Elliott was off-target in a separate move, the woodwork was struck and Celtic's clean-sheet lived something of a charmed existence as they were caught playing out dangerously from the back on more than one occasion.

The Hoops could have still put the game to bed at the other end though as Dawson (not long before going down for treatment) selflessly put an inviting ball across the six-yard box on a silver plateau but nobody was there to make a telling connection with the goal absolutely gaping.

Substitutions were made by the visitors during the 55-65 minute period when East Kilbride were pressing menacingly and it was one of the new faces - namely Ben Doak - who made a positive impression by making it 3-0 with a ruthless drive into the far corner, on the back of a clever interception, within only minutes of his introduction.

Thereafter, there were a few more changes as both benches sought to get minutes into players' legs and, in return, there was plenty of energy and endeavour shown. Doak looked dangerous and made a good impression as Celtic pressed in search of a fourth goal, whilst East Kilbride couldn't get a goal which, on the balance of chances, they deserved.

The highlight of the closing stages was free Scotch Pies, fresh out the oven, being given out (which is always a delight during trips up north) but overall it was a good game of a surprisingly decent standard and quite a few players performed very well.

There was lots of good team-play from Celtic on things I've touched on already such as speed of transitions, energy, movement and willingness to get the ball out wide and drive forward with it when the opportunity allowed but players who deserve a special mention are Joey Dawson who showed a menacing presence up top, was a constant threat, had predatory instincts infront of goal but was also involved in quite a fair bit of selfless build-up play to the benefit of others. His subsequent appearance on the subs bench for Celtic's first team against St Johnstone on Boxing Day (irrespective of the fact he later got on due to Kyogo Furuhashi's injury) was probably in no small part down to how he performed in this game.

Ben Doak made a good impression as well from the bench; two centre-backs - Dane Murphy and Joseph Murray (though difficult to distinguish who was who because of the numbering on the backs of the shirts) showed quite a bit of aggression and Brody Paterson, the skipper, though not heavily involved at times demonstrated a really measured and calming approach and looks a decent player.

Rossington Main 1-1 Hallam

Rossington Main 1-1 Hallam

Northern Counties East League (Division One)

Saturday 18th December 2021

A game of two contrasting styles ended in delight for Rossington Main as Xxxxxx Xxxxxxx forced home an equaliser deep into injury-time - and with practically the last kick of the game - to earn them a point from a fog-effected clash with Hallam at Oxford Street.

Rozzo certainly deserved something as they played the better football throughout and with better finishing could have put their counterparts out of sight quite early on.

Hallam, to their credit, aren't the sort of team who'll just lie down and be steam-rollered. They're challenging for promotion for a reason and having already lost twice (and quite heavily) to Rozzo already this season they were definitely up for a fight and unwilling to let the same thing happen again.

Their style might not have suited the football purists given they took a combative approach from a very early point - notably wanting to prevent Bailey Conway from getting on the ball and influencing things in the middle of the park and, in fairness, their tactics worked.

After a goalless first 45 minutes they took the lead just after half-time through Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxxx and Rossington looked flustered as horrible low-lying fog made conditions tricky for vast swathes of the second half.

Just when it looked as if it might be one of those days, however, Xxxxxxx popped up to tap the ball home in the third-minute of injury-time to rescue a point which might prove valuable come the end of the campaign given that Rozzo are very much challenging for a play-off place themselves.

Since going top of the league a handful of weeks ago, Ben Hunter's team have endured more than a few stutters which has seen them drift away from pole position. Jack Watson, without doubt one of the most prolific strikers at this level, is expected to be sidelined for the rest of the season and his replacement, Myron Gibbons, has also endured a few knocks and niggles after his blistering start to life at Oxford Street when he couldn't stop scoring. With Niall Doran missing too, and Cameron Barnett a long-term absentee, losing such influencial players capable of turning a game in a single moment has certainly impacted results and probably put paid to any title hopes.

Points 'here and there' has kept Rozzo just about in touch with their fellow Play-Off rivals, however, and a big performance was needed in this game after something of a drubbing at mid-table Ollerton Town in their previous encounter the week before.

The Blues started very positively and brightly, set the tempo, and properly got at their counterparts in the early exchanges with Danny Deakin flashing a free-kick narrowly wide of the left-hand post, Gibbons (available for selection after his recent niggles) involved in a gilt-edged chance just afterwards, before Sam Kitchen then stung the 'keepers gloves with a drive on the quarter-hour mark.

Hallam were quite physical and although they were initially ran ragged to some extent as the first period wore on, they began to execute their own game-plan to good effect, impose themselves physically and put in a few tackles which the referee from the same fixture last season (who remains one of the worst I've seen anywhere in recent times) would probably have shown red to.

Opportunities came to pass at both ends in the freezing cold weather before half-time as the game became stretched to some extent; Hallam perhaps now shading it, but it remained goalless at the interval.

Doncaster Rovers (U18s) 1-2 Lincoln City (U18s)

Doncaster Rovers (U18s) 1-2 Lincoln City (U18s)

EFL Youth Alliance

Saturday 4th December 2021

Despite defeat this was a spirited showing with plenty of grit and endeavour by a young Doncaster Rovers side, in absolutely atrocious weather conditions.

In freezing cold swirling winds and driving torrential rain which made the game difficult to even watch (let alone play in), Rovers were a shade unfortunate not to take anything because the lads' efforts merited a good result.

Against a decent Lincoln team who are near the top of the table and themselves possess some good players, Doncaster led at half-time courtesy of top scorer Jack Goodman's close-range toe-poke finish - his eighth goal of the campaign to date, before the visitors fought back and picked up the points courtesy of a 'worldie' strike on 70 minutes which is likely to be a 'Goal of the Month' contender.

Rovers, led by Tony Cook, could have snatched a point in the latter stages though as substitute Harry Wood saw his goalbound drive from a cut-back superbly blocked by a Lincoln defender.

It was a very young line-up that took to the field wearing DRFC shirts. No second-year scholars were involved as many of them were on the bench for the first team's FA Cup game with Mansfield Town later in the afternoon, but first-year professional Ben Bottomley featured between the sticks for his first bit of game-time since his loan at Frickley Athletic earlier in the season.

Surprisingly, it was Rovers who started the better and they fashioned up a couple of early chances; one of which saw the lively Goodman have an effort deflected over.

As the quarter-hour mark approached and went, Lincoln began to dominate in the midfield area and have plenty of possession. Their ideas and philosophies, work-rate, pattern play and fluid movement was clear to see, but when they got the ball into the final third, all of their early chances went wide of the target.

Jak Whiting, wearing the captain's armband, was a big vocal presence and his character-traits of organising things at the back and encouraging others (seen various times) during this period when Rovers were mainly on the back foot was testament to what he offers.

Somewhat against the run of play, the lads broke the deadlock on 25 minutes.

The energetic Alex Fletcher burst down the right flank and delivered a cross into the box which ricocheted off a defender and straight into Goodman's path who was able to stab a foot at the ball and knock it past the 'keeper at close-range to put Rovers 1-0 up.

Fletcher soon had a penalty appeal turned down as Donny pressed for a second, whilst talisman Goodman would have been in the clear again, just a few moments later, had the referee not brought play back for an earlier incident (despite their being a clear advantage). 

Nevertheless, Rovers had to show their resilience at the back for the remainder of the first half. 

Charlie Petch made a crucial block to prevent an equaliser in one incident; Bottomley showed excellent commanding of his six-yard box to alleviate the danger amidst more pressure and then just before the half-time whistle, the big 'keeper pulled off a spectacular full-stretch save from a long-range effort.

Faris Khan, involved in bits and pieces at the other end, had a half-chance to make it 2-0 prior to the interval but the ball ricocheted off him at speed when he'd taken up a good and unmarked position on the edge of the six-yard box.

The wind (which was against Rovers during the first 45 minutes) had a big impact on the game and during the course of the second period weather conditions substantially worsened as winds grew stronger whilst torrential rain, hail stones (at one point) and bitingly cold sub-zero temperatures made it extremely difficult to even watch from the sidelines.

Lincoln got back on level terms just after half-time (and shortly before the heavens truly opened). An initial free-kick from 30 yards or so out was poor and hit the defensive wall but it fell kindly into the path of an attacker who swivelled and unleashed a low shot into the bottom corner.

There wasn't too much in the way of goalmouth action for quite a few minutes after this point with the ball mostly being seen in and around the midfield area. Rovers introduced several players from the bench at different points - namely Ethan Harrison (who went upfront), Justin Bennett (a midfielder), Harry Wood (an attacker), Will Green (a full-back) and Jack Raper (a technical ball-playing midfielder).

All the new faces, along with those already on the pitch, acquitted themselves extremely well to both the task of winning the game and the worsening weather conditions - and it's clear to see that a number of them possess plenty of ability and can offer a lot to the team.

However, they were undone on this occasion (in terms of a result) thanks to a 'worldie' strike on 70 minutes as a Lincoln striker collected possession 25 yards out at an angle, cut inside, looked up and unleashed a delicious curling attempt past Bottomley and into the net - it was the sort of finish you could only applaud and surely an LFE 'Goal of the Month' contender!

Whilst the set-back was disappointing, Rovers' response was excellent as they seized the initiative and did their best to force an equaliser which didn't come.

On occasions the quality up top didn't quite match the application or desire, there were bits and pieces of 'bad luck' at times as well - none more so than when an unmarked Wood got on the end of a cut-back and saw his goalbound drive incredibly blocked by a Lincoln defender when it seemed the net was destined to be hit.

In the end it wasn't to be as the Imps returned home with all three points, but it was still a positive enough showing by this young Rovers team. They didn't crumble by any means, they gave it a really good go against a close to full strength Lincoln team who are challenging for the EFL Youth Alliance (North-East Division) title and there were many pleasing things on show.

Special mentions for Will Flint who was really good in two or three positions that he took up over the course of the game, Jak Whiting on his maturity and excellent and encouraging leadership which was just a pleasure to watch, and Ben Bottomley on doing reasonably well in his first game in a while.

Rovers' last game in the Youth Alliance before some big bloke in a red costume scoffs a load of mince pies is on Saturday 18th December when they're away at Mansfield Town.

Team: Ben Bottomley, Alex Fletcher, Jak Whiting, Will Flint, Charlie Petch, Josh Lindley, Owen Scattergood, Trialist, Max Adamson, Faris Khan, Jack Goodman. Subs Used: Ethan Harrison, Justin Bennett, Harry Wood, Will Green, Jack Raper.

The pathetic reign of Richie Wellens at Doncaster Rovers...

It has FINALLY happened!

Richie Wellens' utter bomb scare of a tenure at Doncaster Rovers is over - he's been SACKED and contrary to what you may have seen written elsewhere, news of his departure has been emphatically celebrated by many at Cantley Park.

Whether you focus on his petulant behaviour on the touchline, his lack of self-control in his own comments to the press, disgusting and deliberate treatment of certain players (which could easily be interpreted as bullying), 'passive-aggressive' everyday mannerisms, his tenuous and haphazard relationship when it comes to taking responsibility, or just the downright woeful results he oversaw - including two 6-0 batterings, it was the correct decision for him to be relieved of his duties!

Quite simply, he's a dreadful manager who has caused numerous problems and I've no doubts that when a few players do podcasts and such like in years to come, many more stories about his terrible management over the past six months will come to light.

Richie Wellens: An absolute bomb scare of a manager (Photo: Getty Images).

Wellens' reign was turbulent and tumultuous from the outset and the problems he encountered were mostly of his own making - even down to his use of the budget which considering it's a lower mid-table one for this level, was mostly squandered on early summer signings who've thus far mostly failed to perform and live up to expectations.

Naturally, he'll still blame anyone, everyone and everything before being prepared to look in the mirror and acknowledge any of his own multiple shortcomings. He was the biggest issue affecting Doncaster Rovers on matchdays! Nobody else! Richie Wellens!

Salford sacked him for a reason and, with hindsight, it was probably a very good reason - even though his delusional stupidity has meant he’s been going round telling people he's a good manager and a 'winner' because he won the EFL Trophy there; the reality is he inherited a team already in the Final, they won it on penalties and he got sacked just over a week later! 

But don't let facts get in the way, eh Richard...

Wellens record in League One shows that he got Oldham relegated, left Swindon just outside the drop zone, and now, statistically, he's achieved the accolade of becoming the worst manager that Doncaster Rovers have had this century in terms of a points-per-game record.

Even Andy Butler (who was deplorably forced out by Wellens) had a better record and picked up more points in fewer league games - despite never having a transfer window to build his own squad and inheriting the broken mess which was left as Darren Moore jumped ship to Sheffield Wednesday.

But, always remember, Wellens is a good manager because he’s won two trophies. He's said so himself, as did his brother last weekend on Twitter, between multiple potty-mouthed, abusive and sexist remarks before he locked, and later deleted, his account. Classy!

Just one of many abusive tweets which were posted by Richie Wellens' brother on Twitter.

Earlier this summer when I wrote this article on the back of Richie Wellens becoming manager, I'll openly admit that I underestimated just how much of a wrecking ball he could be. People can criticise me or call me a hypocrite regarding my initial views six months ago but I'll point out two things:

1) His recruitment wasn't anywhere near good enough.

2) Whilst I firmly believe a manager needs time to build what he wants, there is a time to get rid.

And when the manager is deliberately forcing players into exile (then moaning in the press about a lack of available options), speaking to people deploraby, constantly swearing and being abusive on the touchline without a single modicum of self-restraint, and is generally just a ticking time-bomb who could explode at any moment, then it's the right time to sack him. 

Perhaps it's why Salford did - who knows? However, he simply didn’t possess any positive characteristics during his 199-day tenure which was torturous for most who came into contact with him.

And whilst he's now sat at home finger-pointing and blaming everyone else, many players will just celebrate the fact he's no longer at Cantley Park having multiple games of ‘Head Tennis’ each day whilst others are doing the work he should be doing.

It costs absolutely nothing to treat others how you'd want to be treated yourself but Wellens couldn't even achieve do that trait and it’s why so few people in football will have any sympathy for him now that he's been sacked.

Good riddance!

Wellens' departure needs to spell the start of wider change.

The issues at DRFC do run deeper than just him alone and a firm finger needs to be pointed towards the club's hierarchy for what they've created due to their own mis-management. There are only three directors (one of whom, CEO Gavin Baldwin, is effectively employed by the other two) and it's hardly a vast gathering of brain-power which is conducive to brilliance. Many of the problems are likely to persist whilst ever certain individuals behind-the-scenes are in positions of authority and lurking too closely towards those at the top table. As a consequence of that (in addition to Wellens' 'bomb scare' style management), the club has been a shambles in recent months and some thoroughly genuine, long-serving and loyal employees have already deserted what has looked like it may fast-become a sinking ship!

The structure needs a complete and thorough overhaul and it'd be easy to write an article regarding just the off-field issues at DRFC. But that's for another time!

This article will focus solely on football-related matters and explain to a large extent why Richie Wellens made his own job untenable, why so much of the damage he caused was entirely self-inflicted and why, in the end, he deserved to be sacked. 

I'm completely aware that some people (inside and outside the club) won't like what I write and that's fine; I know it's because I tell the truth and say it how it is because there is absolutely nothing whatsoever to be gained from lying.

Grab a brew though because it's a lengthy read...

A 'fresh start'... but it never actually was!

Anyone who has been in and around football and knows the game well enough will know things such as a 'fresh start' don't actually exist - they're a myth and when they get mooted they usually have strings attached or opinions have already been formed by what a manager has learned about his players prior to taking the job.

Nonetheless, the words 'fresh start' were muttered during a press interview by Richie Wellens within only a few weeks of him becoming manager.

Only, in this instance, it wasn't even a 'fresh start' for everyone!

Andy Butler in action last season. He was later 'exiled' by Richie Wellens! (Photo: Getty Images).

It quickly became apparent that Andy Butler (who, it has been well-documented, fell out with Wellens during their time together at DRFC some years previously) was going to be forced out - irrespective of what he could offer to the team. His ability to play professionally and also manage Doncaster Belles at the same time were publicly questioned by the new manager before he decided to ban him outright from attending the start of pre-season training.

The reasoning behind AB being given a playing contract at the end of last season (after his own unsuccessful spell as manager) can be questioned and there might be some merit from those who'll say he was only given one as a respectful yet token gesture by the owners, when it might have been better for him to depart at that time before Wellens was appointed.

However, that situation didn't happen so it's immaterial. Wellens inherited 'Butts' as a player, saw him as a threat and failed to handle things professionally - and, quite probably, took gleeful delight in having the power over his old team-mate - not to mention the indirect 'If you cross me, this is what you'll get!' message that it sent to other players in the squad. It was pathetic and playground stuff, a sign of a school bully flexing their muscles - something that would be a trait of Wellens' reign, and already spent money (in terms of wages) was tossed down the drain. It was the first blatant example that a personal grudge was being put before the professional conduct and attitude that you'd expect from a manager - much to the detriment of Doncaster Rovers who now needed to sign a replacement defender as well.

When a supporter questioned Wellens in regards to his treatment of AB at a Supporters Club meeting, he was abrupt, dismissive, arrogant and had little else to say in his response other than: "Darren Ferguson did it to me!" and "I've won two trophies so I'm a good manager."

That narcicism (bordering on delusion in actually believing he's a good manager) was even more stupid considering he said this at a time when DRFC were rock bottom of League One. It spoke significant volumes because you'd like to think that someone, having been in the situation of being 'exiled' during their own playing days, would do everything possible to avoid putting their own players through it - instead it seemed Wellens was only too happy to be spiteful and punish others.

AB's departure left a void in the 'bomb squad' which would later be filled by Ed Williams and Omar Bogle who were both treated just as abhorrently (more on that below).

Even before this episode, however, there was already a cause for concern when Jason Lokilo took to social media last summer to vigorously deny comments made publicly by Wellens who accused him of 'being greedy' and 'wanting more money' when negotiating a new deal that never came to fruition. Jason dubbed an article (which also appeared in the Doncaster Free Press) as 'fake news' but at the time it wasn't clear if he was telling the truth or if RW was twisting things.

The truth would become evident as time progressed...

The abysmal treatment of Ed Williams and Omar Bogle

It's a huge 'faux pas' in football for a manager to discuss the wages of a particular player in the public domain but that's precisely what Richie Wellens did on two separate occasions with relation to Ed Williams, prior to him being 'exiled' from first team training.

The first instance was in the aftermath of the pre-season game against Rossington Main when Wellens specifically stated: 'Ed is on what I'd say is a decent League One wage' before going on to say that he wasn't in his plans and was available to find another club. 

The second instance was in September when he stated: "These players are earning substantial amounts of money for where our wage bill sits and they’ve not scored the goals in the last 40 to 50 games that warrant that kind of money."

Ed Williams was treated abysmally by Richie Wellens (Photo: Getty Images).

Managers, fans and even players form opinions on others all the time (that's perfectly normal) but the comments about Ed's wages never needed to be in the public domain. The only things it served to achieve was turning fans against him and causing a speculative 'guessing game' about his wages, possibly with a hope that he'd be ground down and agree to leave for nothing. 

Wellens' negative words were also highly unlikely to attract interest in a player who, by his own admission, he desperately wanted off the books. However, he'd already been made to look stupid (given his initial pre-season comments) when injuries meant Ed came back into his plans and even played in a handful of matches - scoring at Wakefield in pre-season and then featuring in both Carabao Cup ties in August.

It was after the Second Round loss at Stoke City that he was banished from first team training, which also coincided with Omar Bogle's admonishment to the 'bomb squad' as he was accused of having turned down a move away. 

The duo faced a wrath of online abuse yet again fuelled by Wellens who, unable to keep his gob shut, made comments to the press stating: "I just don't get why players when you tell them they're free to move on and they want to stay at the club."

I know for absolute, crystal clear certainty that Omar never turned down a straightforward move away from Doncaster Rovers. Transfers and loan deals are often complex - they do and don't happen for a variety of reasons (and many in football always seem to be left to the last minute - ask Aiden O'Brien and Will Grigg about that!) and there are always multiple issues to consider, such as commuting, the distance involved, the club in question and their situation - and whether or not the other club will put in a firm bid or just talk about a move until its too late. 

Omar never flatly refused a move away that could have just happened at the click of a finger.

Wellens also later stated: "They're still here training. They train every day so I watch them train. They're not exiled. It’s not like I've come in and gone 'I never want to watch you play football again and you’re done'. I watch them every day in training." - that wasn't true!

Omar Bogle never turned down a move away from Doncaster Rovers - despite Richie Wellens stating otherwise (Photo: Getty Images).

Since September, they've both trained with the youth team - mostly at the Keepmoat but occasionally at Cantley Park, and Wellens certainly never watched many (if actually any) of those sessions. Furthermore, the scholars themselves have had nothing but positive things to say about their training buddies - they all follow each other on social media, have a good relationship, and many of their parents who I speak to regularly anyway because I'm often at youth team games, have spoken about the great impact both senior players have had on the group and how the younger lads love being around them.

Should any fans have any doubts as to either Ed or Omar's 'character' - or whether they were banished because they were disruptive 'bad eggs' (as Liam Hoden at the Doncaster Free Press might like people to believe considering he retweeted something recently that wasn't whatsoever impartial about one of the pair), then those fans who were at the recent FA Youth Cup tie against Rotherham United will have noticed both of them were present that night to support the young lads. Not only that, but they were warmly embraced by several first team squad players who they hadn't seen for a while along with the club secretary who was happy to give them both a big hug and speak at length.

That's because they're good characters!

The only thing Ed was ever guilty of was 'not being good enough' in the eyes of his new manager - the whole episode thereafter of being 'exiled' (and this wasn't just from first team training; it was from social events involving the team too) was just a purposeful and deliberate attempt to force him out by a manager who lacks discipline and has now got succeeded in getting himself sacked. It was ridiculous. He may, or may not, be 'good enough' as a footballer - and everyone is entitled to their opinion but he wasn't treated with base-level human respect or even common decency.

And it was all brought about by Wellens failing to handle a normal situation which will happen to pretty much every manager when they take over at a club and inherit players - some of whom they won't want. It'll happen to the next DRFC manager, the one after that, and so on. It'll happen elsewhere too - but good managers don't react by 'exiling' players when it isn't neccessary.

As an ex-player-turned-agent (who was at a game I watched in November) described the saga: "It's 2021. There are ways and means to go about things. Unfortunately he thinks it's 1981!". Wellens has also been described in less than positive terms by a few other ex-players who I've spoken to when I've been out and about at various places doing scouting/analysis work (which I do on a part-time basis) at various points in recent months.

The notion that Ed and Omar have just been 'hanging on' or are 'only interested in the money' is totally wrong. They want to play football just as much as anyone else who is a footballer but unfortunately, due to a manager who has been only too happy to cut his nose off to spite his face, they haven't even had the chance to train hard and force their way into selection. Both of them should have been in first team training sessions, earning their wages and keeping their fitness and intensity levels up, trying to achieve game-time and 'being ready' if they were ever needed to play in a game - instead they were banished.

With a severe lack of any attacking options available for selection at the time, Omar ought to have been involved in the away fixture at Rotherham United (at least in some capacity) back in August - instead two full-backs (Charlie Seaman and Tommy Rowe) were played in attack.

All that Wellens served to achieve by consigning Bogle to the 'bomb squad' was reducing his attacking options - something that was only rectified when unbudgeted money then needed to be spent on bringing Joe Dodoo to the club (a player whose goalscoring record has proved to be neither better or worse than Omar's anyway). That was more money chucked down the drain owing to bad 'man-management'.

Several youth team players were in the squad for the EFL Trophy at Scunthorpe United.

Even more recently, when injuries and international call-up's ravaged selection options in the run-up to the two cup games with Scunthorpe, both Ed and Omar were disregarded once again with Wellens again lacking the decency to even speak to them himself. Instead he got a member of his coaching team to tell them they weren't 'worthy enough' when seven players from the youth team training session were asked to join the first team group ahead of the EFL Trophy tie where many scholars were involved.

The inability by Wellens to make amends with either player, let alone to show basic understanding and manage the situation anywhere near correctly in the first place, continued right up until his demise and it's been much to the detriment of Doncaster Rovers. 

Furthermore, you only have to look at how weak and inexperienced the substitutes bench was in the defeat to Burton last weekend to know they'd have added experience and options to potentially change a game, if they needed to be brought on.

There is a motivational quote, on the entrance to a nearby stadium, which reads: "Side before self every time". Sadly, Richie Wellens' philosophy here was "Spite before side every time!" - just ask Andy Butler about that if you've forgotten how he was treated!

Petulant and potty-mouthed behaviour; it impressed nobody!

It didn't take long for Richie Wellens' behaviour on the touchline to get noticed and before pre-season was even out there were worrying signs about the manner in which he was conducting himself.

A poor manager who got poor results (Photo: Getty Images).

AJ Greaves was given a foul-mouthed 'dressing down' in full view of supporters at Wakefield and a week later, when Sheffield United rocked up and cruised to a comfortable win at the Keepmoat, it was Louis Jones who felt the manager's wrath - copping for criticism after every goal-kick with nothing whatsoever shouted in the way of encouragement or positivity. It was embarrassing to watch a grown adult behave in such a stupid manner.

A non-league football coach I was sat with at that game was aghast and when the story was relayed back to a former DRFC player (involved in a coaching capacity at another club), he admitted that he'd have handled the situation differently but wasn't surprised in the slightest given Wellens' reputation.

Furthermore, whilst watching an early-season Under 23s game, I was fortunate enough to spend time in the company of a retired ex-Premier League manager who nowadays works as a scout. When our conversation came round to the subject of Wellens, this person's view of him was that he was a loose cannon who'd just 'bully the younger players' amongst other things and that he wasn't the sort of person or character who would achieve good results. That former top flight manager has substantial experience!

And those words already backed up what had been witnessed during pre-season - the harrassing of Louis Jones in matches (including the memorable 'Louis, you're starting to really p*ss me off now' comment which was picked up on the microphones in the win at Harrogate which was streamed live), plus other stories from behind-closed-doors that have done the rounds but which I'm not going to mention in this article out of respect for those individuals who were involved.

Even as recently as the EFL Trophy game, Wellens' attitude showed no signs of dissipating as a young member of the squad was targeted just before the pre-match warm-up (with Noel Hunt alongside Wellens at the time) and called 'fatty' before being sworn and spoken to in an overly-aggressive manner - just yards away from myself who saw enough (prior to getting away from the situation quite quickly) to know the way they were speaking to him was bang out of order.

It wasn't just players that felt the abusive 'potty-mouthed' tongue of Wellens though.

Officials were given it both barrels too - Tom Nield and his assistants following the defeat at Wigan Athletic copped for petulant comments, Trevor Kettle in the Plymouth loss (which culminated in Wellens being red carded and later given a two-game ban) was another, and then even more recently in another loss at Bolton, the Rovers manager got himself booked for a touchline tantrum.

And his own coaching staff weren't even spared from his aggressive outbursts.

In one incident at Cantley Park (when Wellens wasn't playing 'Head Tennis'), he went marching over to one of his coaches shouting: "What's this f**king sh*t that you're doing? Call yourself a coach? It's f**king sh*t" amongst many other pleasantries. The coach on the receiving end in that particular incident just walked away from the situation but, to give a scale of how long these issues have persisted, it occurred in early September - three months before the board chose to act.

Even this week there was a surprise club announcement that Paul Gerrard had left DRFC with the club giving little away in the announcement as to the reasons behind his departure. They probably wanted to brush it under the carpet but there is enough to suggest it was Wellens' work, rather than the decision of the long-serving 'keeper coach who has the respect of so many.

Results (and recruitment) which just weren't good enough...

Those who have watched Doncaster Rovers on even just a semi-frequent basis in recent months will know that performances have been the football-equivalent of episodes of Blind Date.

Very occasionally, there has been a good one where the chemistry has worked and a 'surprise, surprise' has meant the team have achieved a respectable result. However, far too frequently, the games (just like episodes of 'Blind Date') have ended in tragic disappointment with the players on the pitch resembling luckless and clueless singletons who've only just met one another and don't know what to do!

Needless to say the football has been largely dire and desperate and the briefest of glances at the current League One table will show results have been awful. Many fans have even spoken of this being the worst season since the infamous 1997/98 campaign when Rovers were relegated from the Football League.

The League One table shows just how bad Doncaster Rovers have been under Richie Wellens.

Amongst some of the many facts/statistics:

- The current start to the season (13 points from 19 games) is the worst since 1997/98 - even worse than the notorious 'experiment' campaign of 2011/12 which was equally as turbulent both in the dressing room and behind-the-scenes.

- The 6-0 defeat at Ipswich in September was DRFC's worst loss on the road in 19 years, whilst the 6-0 reverse to Rotherham on home soil was the equal-worst since the club returned to the Football League in 2003.

- Rovers' current goals scored tally (11) and goal difference (-23) is the worst of any club in the Football League right now.

- Andy Butler (Played 18, Won 4, Drew 3, Lost 11) had a better points-per-game record during his tenure than Richie Wellens (Played 19, Won 3, Drew 4, Lost 12) - and he was deemed 'not good enough' to be manager of the club in the long-term on the back of his own spell.

Hammerings happened regularly under Richie Wellens' management.

Wellens regularly blamed injuries (amongst many things) and used them as excuse for poor form yet relatively recent games against Gillingham, Lincoln and Bolton (all of whom had an injury crisis to some extent) heralded just a single point and a goals return of zero.

The 'budget' was blamed too. Several clubs in League One have a smaller budget, nonetheless, and his available funds were blown largely on a handful of early summer signings. The arrivals of Joe Dodoo and Joseph Olowu (amongst others) took him over-budget at the agreement of the owners.

In the various defeats - such as that chastening 6-0 thumping at Ipswich, 13 of the 14 players who featured were players that Wellens had brought to DRFC. After his backers had pleaded for him to be given more time to turn around the dreadful early-season form, 11 of the 14 players that appeared in the 4-0 beating at Charlton Athletic, only a month later, were his signings.

Even as recently as last weekend, Wellens bizarrely claimed the squad wasn't good enough yet it was one he'd built largely himself over the summer - and at considerible expense considering the initial budget.

He was to blame for results, performances and his own bad management. 

And he was cutting his nose off to spite his face because, amidst the current goalless run of four games (which included the farce at Burton where the team didn't even muster up a shot of any kind until the final 10 minutes), there were no signs that Omar Bogle would be recalled to the line-up anytime soon - even though it was evident that something needed to change.

That something has now proved to be Wellens and very few players outside those he's picked every week (and many of them may not speak wonderfully of him) will be sad to see his departure. His management style proved to be horrendous, his reign was a complete 'bomb scare' and his sacking wasn't before time.

It's true that the Scunthorpe (FA Cup) game was pivotal to Wellens being given 'more time' as the owners were growing weary and starting to become tired of his excuses. To have allowed him another transfer window when there was nothing in his time at the club to suggest he knew how to use funds wisely, would have been gross negligence and stupidity on behalf of the board.

These are all reasons why, put together, they acted and he was booted out the door!

What next for Doncaster Rovers?

Before talk even begins of who'll replace Richie Wellens on a long-term basis and the important task of getting enough points to stay in League One is thought about, the entire club needs to have something of a grieving period to just recover from being nothing short of a circus in recent months.

As I mentioned at the start of this piece, the issues won't just suddenly disappear because of Wellens' departure - there are things behind-the-scenes which are deep-rooted and still need rectifying (and it'll cost money to do it) but it's a huge positive step that the board have decided to make this managerial change.

A new era is on the horizon at the soon-to-be-renamed Keepmoat Stadium.

In my own personal opinion, it's still 10 games too late. He should have been sacked after the 6-0 hammering at Ipswich and it was only the subsequent 'fluke' win over MK Dons coupled with a two-week 'grace period' due to the international break and 'winnable' upcoming fixtures at that time, that kept the wolf from his door then.

At least, however, it has finally happened and the healing process can begin.

Is the current team good enough to stay in League One? Realistically, I think not and it'll be a difficult task to overturn substantial damage which has already been done - to the budget, to morale and to the season as a whole. Playing catch up isn't easy so investment, good performances and simply little bits of luck during games (more than anything else) will be pivotal if avoiding the drop comes to fruition. 

My biggest hope in the immediate few days and weeks is that the first team squad buy into the ideas/philosophies which will be put forward by Gary McSheffrey and, if things don't go to plan, he's cut some slack by fans and they're able to see the mess that he's inherited from the previous manager.

It's too early into the post-traumatic period to even begin thinking about the 'long-term' at this point so here's hoping for a successful outcome in the FA Cup this weekend, an enjoyable game (which has been a rarity for so long) and a bit of excitement afterwards when the Third Round draw is made.

As for Richie Wellens, as time passes and everyone moves on, there'll be those who'll remember his spell as a player with some fondness and this stint as manager won't taint the 'legend' status they'll hold him in. On the flip side, there'll also be plenty of others who'll remember his petulant outbursts, shocking treatment of players and haphazard relationship with taking responsibility - not to mention the woeful results, and speak less than fondly about him.

I'll just remember him as an absolute bomb scare of a manager, particularly good at 'Head Tennis', who got exactly what he deserved in the end.

Doncaster Rovers (U18s) 1-2 Rotherham United (U18s)

Doncaster Rovers (U18s) 1-2 Rotherham United (U18s)
FA Youth Cup Second Round
Tuesday 16th November 2021

A cruel, stomach-churning twist in the dying seconds of normal time helped Rotherham United progress in the FA Youth Cup at Doncaster Rovers' expense.

Rovers looked all set for a trip to West Bromwich Albion in Round Three having taken the lead through Owen Scattergood's strike in first half injury-time. They'd squandered the chance to double their advantage with top scorer Jack Goodman being denied from the penalty spot, and it proved costly as Curtis Durose slammed home a deflating and dramatic equaliser with just 32 seconds remaining to force extra-time.

Ciaran McGuckin then headed in from close-range during a breakaway attack early in extra-time to complete the turnaround and, despite Rovers' best efforts, they couldn't force penalties and were thus left to ponder what might have been.

Having won four of their five previous fixtures - including a dramatic 2-1 success at Basford United and 2-0 victory over Rotherham in the EFL Youth Alliance a month ago, Rovers went into this clash in a confident mood and determined to impress in the first youth team fixture played on the main Keepmoat Stadium pitch for more than three seasons.

They knew it wouldn't be easy though. Rotherham, whose style won't suit football purists, are always the same; big, strong, fit, efficient, but above everything, well-drilled and good at what they do. They certainly aren't easy to play against so a close game was therefore expected.

Gary McSheffrey made one change to the side which won in the First Round as Jak Whiting (a natural leader who can galvanise others) returned in defence at the expense of Michael Nesbitt who missed out on a place in the matchday squad altogether due to injury.

Attacking towards the North Stand in the first half, Doncaster began with purposeful intent and almost took the lead within two minutes as Goodman raced onto a through ball and rounded the Rotherham 'keeper, but forced out wide to a tight angle, his eventual effort hit the side-netting.

The Millers looked most threatening at set-plays and an early long-throw was headed on and gathered by Luke Chadwick, but it was Rovers who, unsurprisingly, looked tidier on the ball and they knocked it around quite well at times with Scattergood and Corie Cole posing a major threat. The duo soon combined for a gilt-edged chance where, remarkably, the ball somehow didn't go into the net. Scattergood was the instigator with some nifty footwork and play inside the box and he provided a pull-back for Cole whose low toe-poke effort hit the inside of the post, trickled across the goal-line and somehow went wide of the opposite post.

How it stayed out was a mystery (especially considering the penalty area was busy) but Rovers remained good value on the ball with Tavonga Kuleya being narrowly off-target with a further attempt before the first half midway point.

Slowly but surely, Rotherham began to impose their presence and own style a bit more and Billy Carroll headed wide from a set-play, before Dan Wilds was needed to produce a block from Ben Hatton's shot close to the half-hour mark.

The game had become a bit of a battle between two contrasting styles. Rotherham remained dangerous when delivering crosses from wide areas (along with dead ball scenarios) whilst Donny continued to try and work their way through their opponents with incisive passing and good build-up play.

Definitive clear-cut openings remained at a premium though and the run up to half-time was stop-start, partly down to Scattergood picking up a knock which required treatment and resulted in two minutes of first half injury-time.

And it was during those two minutes when the breakthrough moment came!

Whiting played a key role - showing persistence and presence-of-mind to get in a position to win the ball back high up the pitch and his threaded pass into Scattergood was perfect for the first-year forward who whacked the ball with aplomb past the Rotherham 'keeper before being mobbed by his jubilant team-mates who knew this was a brilliant time to break the deadlock.

With a lead to protect, Rovers knew they had a big 45 minutes ahead of them and the second half proved to be very much 'nip tuck' with little in the way of clear-cut goalmouth action.

Defenders from both teams made important interventions; Bobby Faulkner (who put in a very committed and hard-working display which will have impressed many amongst the big crowd) provided one during a breakaway attack whilst Sam Greenhouse did likewise for the visitors.

As the hour mark came and went, there was a sense that Rotherham - boasting a superior physical presence were starting to get on top and dictate things a bit which was therefore tipping momentum in their favour. Rovers responded to this by introducing defensive-midfielder Will Flint from the substitutes bench in place of Alex Fletcher. The Millers also made a change as Hamish Douglas was replaced by Zack Bond.

It was just after these changes that Rovers created their clearest opening since going ahead as Tavonga Kuleya was picked out by Goodman and, with a clear sight of goal, he was superbly thwarted by Rotherham 'keeper Alfie Burnett who read the danger and was quick off his line to make a crucial save.

Kuleya was soon replaced by towering defender Charlie Petch as Rovers sought to protect what they had with less than a quarter of the game remaining.

The visitors, wearing their grey away strip, were continuing to look a threat as the minutes ticked by and Mackenzie Warne (son of Rotherham boss Paul Warne who was watching on in the stands!) nearly found an equaliser with an effort he whistled narrowly wide from the edge of the box after Greenhouse's long-throw was only partially cleared away. The pressure continued and from a corner-kick only a few minutes later, Chadwick was required to pull off a save after a powerful header by Carroll.

It wasn't quite yet at the stage where the pressure was so intense Rovers needed respite but if they'd been able to get a second goal it would have paved the way for a much more comfortable finale and with eight minutes remaining, they were awarded with the perfect chance to do so when Goodman was judged to have been fouled in the box by the referee. It didn't look a penalty (if anything it seemed incredibly harsh) because Rotherham's defender certainly got a touch on the ball, but nor were there too many appeals against the decision by visiting players.

Goodman took responsibility with the spot-kick and despite hitting a low and hard effort to the 'keeper's right-hand side, Burnett guessed correctly and managed to palm the ball onto the post and away to safety - thus keeping his team in with a fighting chance as seven minutes of normal time remained.

When those minutes were up, a minimum of three more were awarded and with Rovers' players knowing they were right on the brink of a trip to West Bromwich Albion, the Hawthorns dream was snatched away as Rotherham dramatically got back on level terms.

The clock read precisely 92:28 (and I know because I had the stop-watch on!) when Durose's low drive crept past Chadwick and into the net; the Millers forward having been allowed by the Rovers defence to cut inside, stretch his legs and pull the trigger from the edge of the area to devastating effect.

It was a body-blow for Donny's tiring players who'd given so much effort but now needed to lift themselves both physically and mentally and win the game again.

Sadly, it proved to be too much because within five minutes of extra-time, Rotherham completed the turnaround altogether thanks to a fast-flowing breakaway where Rovers' loss of possession on the halfway line was their undoing.

Durose was instrumental in the goal as he broke away down the right flank amidst a frantic chase by Whiting who did well but couldn't stop an inevitable cross. Faulkner also 'bust a gut' to sprint back and take up a defensive position inside the area but Durose's delivery was perfect for McGuckin whose close-range header flew past Chadwick.

Rovers were now chasing a game where, football-wise, they'd been the better team.

They weren't quite done yet as a moment of huge pressure inside the visitors' penalty box saw the ball drop for Goodman who lost his footing at the crucial moment with the 'keeper grounded - otherwise it would have been a certain goal. He was still able to recycle it back to Cole whose wild effort flew over the upright much to Rotherham's relief!

Will Hollings then went close as Rovers finished the first period of extra-time very strongly but during the second 15 minutes, despite a few crosses which always carried a bit too much flight or were comfortable for Burnett, the hosts weren't able to muster up that gilt-edged, golden opportunity that teams crave in these scenarios.

Rotherham defended well to their immense credit - keeping their shape, being disciplined and running the clock down when it was needed, and ultimately they progressed to Round Three!

Ultimately, had Rovers been able to show some of those same 'game-management' characteristics in the closing stages of normal-time and been able to waste precious seconds at any opportunity, they'd probably be looking forward to a trip to the West Midlands now. Instead, players were sometimes a bit too eager to get play going again - certainly so after the penalty miss which was a galvanising moment for Rotherham. Taking a bit longer over throw-ins, or at set-plays, doing laces up, feigning injury and other subtle little things would easily have eaten into the 32 seconds that remained when the ball hit the net.

Plenty can be discussed about the specifics in exactly how the two goals were conceded and discussions can be had about how to deal with pressure-scenarios, but it was that tiny 'gamesmanship' which Rotherham did better that ultimately proved to be the difference.

Despite the result, however, the lads still deserve some credit.

It wasn't a vintage night or performance but amongst Rovers' players, Bobby Faulkner (my 'Man Of The Match' as I thought he put a really strong shift in), Corie Cole (who showed his technical quality), Jack Goodman (bar the penalty miss), Owen Scattergood (who was persistent and a nuisance yet again - just like 10 days ago, Jack Raper (who did well but tired towards the end) and Jak Whiting (who I'm enjoying watching more every week) will probably have all made favourable impressions amongst the healthy crowd that turned out to watch the game.

It was pleasing to see several players past and present in the stands including Branden Horton, Paul Green, Cameron John, Omar Bogle, John Buckley, Lirak Hasani, Liam Ravenhill and Ed Williams - and a good camaraderie amongst them all, plus also Ethan Bojang who was in Rovers' youth ranks last season prior to joining Peterborough United's U23s.

Manager Richie Wellens was nowhere to be seen, nor was Liam Hoden who as Editor of the Doncaster Free Press (and Doncaster Rovers reporter), you'd thought might have bothered to turn up, but at least he can get the information from this blog post if he needs to!

With a free weekend upcoming, the youth team's next outing is a visit to Grimsby Town in the EFL Youth Alliance on Saturday 27th November - a game which will be tough as the Mariners are top of the table, have some good players and are often good value to watch.

Good luck to Rotherham United in Round Three and here's hoping they enjoy the experience of performing at a big stadium where there will hopefully be another decent turn-out.

Team: Luke Chadwick, Alex Fletcher (Will Flint), Jak Whiting, Will Hollings, Bobby Faulkner, Dan Wilds (C), Owen Scattergood (Alex Wolny), Jack Raper (Tom Henson), Jack Goodman, Corie Cole, Tavonga Kuleya (Charlie Petch). Unused Subs: Jake Dram, Harry Wood, Tom Parkinson.

Leeds United (U23s) 2-1 Mansfield Town (U23s)

Leeds United (U23s) 2-1 Mansfield Town (U23s)
Premier League Cup
Monday 15th November 2021

This was a meaningful and worthwhile work-out for players from both teams as Leeds United very narrowly edged out Mansfield Town in this Premier League Cup tie at York City's new LNER Community Stadium.

It was a high energy, high-tempo encounter with loads of running involved and it had plenty of chances at both ends. The key difference was Leeds took the openings which came their way whereas Mansfield didn't; striking the woodwork on two occasions, missing a couple and being denied by the 'keeper numerous times before James Gale eventually put the ball in the net in the 88th minute.

There were some quality players on the pitch with United's Archie Gray standing out along with Max Dean showed clever glimpses of tidy technique and positional awareness in attack. James Debayo also performed strongly at the heart of the backline too - looking comfortable on the ball, carrying it out of defence, and being efficient when he needed to be.

Mansfield competed well against a quality team though and despite Tyrese Sinclair enduring one of those nights when the ball basically just wouldn't go in for him, he contributed a lot of positive energy - linking things up, running at players and posing a serious attacking threat. It was an alright showing (bar the finishing) but at least he's getting in decent shooting positions anyway. Likewise, Keaton Ward put in a proper shift and supplemented attacks well - more so as the game progressed, and Jason Law showed bits of quality on the ball at set-plays. Jaden Charles, bar that short attempted back-pass late on, made a couple of crucial interceptions under pressure at times - especially during an intense first 45 minutes.

Overall, it was a good and worthwhile shift for many players involved with loads of energy, drive and desire shown and certainly one of the better and more intense U23s games which I've witnessed this season.

It was evident from an early stage that Mansfield would need to be very alert and retaining their shape out-of-possession would be of fundamental importance as Leeds (who initially had more possession) moved the ball around quickly, aggressively, sharply and showed a real 'zip and zest' about their play.

A wet pitch only further aided their style and Gray was often at the heart of things in midfield.

The Stags, however, weren't just going to be dominated by United's younger yet very technical counterparts and couldn't be faulted for their effort levels. In one instance, Sinclair tracked back deep into his own half and subsequently switched a good pass out wide to a team-mate during strong pressure (a very good contribution as sometimes 'flair' players don't like tracking back and getting their hands dirty with defensive work), whilst Charles was also required to make a couple of important interceptions in order to keep the hosts at arms length.

On the quarter-hour mark, Mansfield mustered up the very first of what proved to be a string of good opportunities as an attempt by Gale was blocked by Whites 'keeper Harry Christy who re-adjusted himself quickly and did enough to thwart Nathan Caine on the follow-up.

The Stags went close again just a moment or so later when Sinclair's whipped in free-kick from out wide caught a glancing touch from George Cooper which carried the ball goalwards where it clipped the upright as it went over. Unlucky!

George Shelvey then held a speculative low drive from the edge of the area as Leeds responded with a decent opening of their own, but it was still Mansfield who were shading things in the chances stakes as the midway point of the first half came to pass.

Sinclair's pace, directness and athleticism caused the Whites defence problems on a few occasions though it was from a speculative and surprising long-range free-kick that he nearly found the target on the half-hour mark; Christy producing a good diving save to tip the effort wide of his left-hand post.

From Law's subsequent back-post corner, Will Forrester rose highest and connected with a firm downward header yet somehow the ball was knocked away from the goal-line when it seemed as if the net was about to bulge. Play was quickly recycled, via a deflected cross, where the Leeds 'keeper eventually managed to get both gloves on the ball and end the danger.

It could be argued the Stags looked most threatening at set-plays and one five minutes before the interval resulted in Gale squandering the clearest yet and most gilt-edged of chances.

Sinclair's initial free-kick was a disappointing one by his standards as it lacked the venom or accuracy to be dangerous and it just hit the last defender on the wall. Nevertheless, it dropped kindly for his bulky team-mate with a decent physical presence who snatched at his shot - blazing the ball high over the upright when as a bare minimum he ought to have tested the 'keeper.

That miss was the biggest of the lot because Leeds were still playing a lot of neat, fluid and good football between the lines - and in-between these chances. Plus, bagging an opener just before half-time is never a bad time to make a breakthrough!

Ir proved doubly costly because within a few minutes of the re-start, it was Leeds who got the all-important first goal courtesy of Sean McGurk who stabbed a toe-end towards Dean's initial low effort to send the ball trickling past a rooted-to-the-spot Shelvey from only a matter of yards out.

The opener almost caused the floodgates to open because Dean caught the upright two minutes later with a shot on the back of a jinking run as Mansfield, having done well to retain their shape and thwart their hosts up until now, were starting to show signs that they could be about to fall apart.

United were enjoying plenty of success playing out from the back and then working the ball through the middle but this didn't stop chances going the Stags' way at the other end.

Twice within only four minutes past the hour mark should Mansfield have been back on level terms; Sinclair flashing a powerful drive across goal and agonisingly wide of Christy's left-hand post after Gale had mugged a Leeds defender on the edge of his own box, before the playmaker skimmed the ball wide of the other post following an inviting lay-off by Law.

Gale also went close as he demonstrated good hold-up play, partly down to his physical presence, prior to unleashing a cleanly-struck snap-shot from 20 yards that went wide. Ward then also got in on the act - going on a run but seeing his effort equalled by a good solid save from Christy who just moments earlier had been booked for time-wasting.

Having somehow not managed to put the ball in the back of the net, it was sods law that the Stags would pay for their profligacy and so it proved on 72 minutes as McGurk and Dean combined once more to make it 2-0 - the former connecting with a deep cross on the byline and hooking it back towards the edge of the six-yard box where Dean was arriving to smash it first time past Shelvey.

Mansfield didn't give up though and to their credit, they dominated things during the final quarter-of-an-hour where they created a flurry of further opportunities.

Law saw an attempt blocked by Debayo before Ryan Burke whistled a 20-yard drive narrowly over the upright in one attack and, within 60 seconds of that chance, Law himself had clipped the upright with a deflected attempt on the back of some good individual play.

Ward's subsequent corner from that chance nearly dropped kindly inside the Leeds area though, instead, the ball was hooked away and almost ended with the Whites bagging a third goal as Charles' intended back-pass for Shelvey was much too short and put Gray clean through - only for the Stags' 'keeper to pull off a good, meaningful save.

Charles responded by stinging the Leeds 'keeper's gloves with a venomous near-post drive at the other end, having been put through by Sinclair, but just as Christy might have been thinking about a hard-earned clean-sheet that was undone as Gale found the bottom corner with a low edge-of-the-box shot to make it 2-1 with around two minutes remaining.

Leeds' performance and movement of the ball was really good at times but on the balance of chances it was Mansfield who deserved something to show for their efforts and during five minutes of injury-time they were thwarted yet again by the impressive Whites custodian.

It was arguably the Stags' two best performers on the night who combined for this final chance as Sinclair drifted out to the right-hand side and hooked a fabulous ball towards the edge of the six-yard box and straight onto the head of Ward whose firm and planted header was saved by Christy who scooped the ball into his grasp at the second attempt.

Another 'close shave' but it was just one of those nights!

The final whistle after five minutes of injury-time brought the curtain down on an absorbing, intense and high-energy game of football where a lot of running and effort was put in by both sets of players. Sometimes you need to be in a stadium to appreciate the feel of a game and this was one of those occasions and it was backed by a small yet lively crowd who played their part as well.

Along with earlier observations, on a personal level it was brilliant to see Keaton Ward out there on a football pitch enjoying himself and, importantly, contributing a great deal to the overall team performance. It contrasts a hell of a lot compared to this time exactly a year ago and if you stop for a moment, take stock and look at the differences between then and now, it's been a hell of a journey. Well done mate - you've come through a tough patch, learned loads and made a lot of people proud!

There were other good performances too as I've pointed out - and again I'll highlight Tyrese Sinclair's contribution and work where he tracked and found a team-mate with a pass under a hell of a lot of pressure. That doesn't get missed by these eyes; just keep your head up with regards to the missed chances and concentrate on the next one which comes along!

The only thing I'm left to wonder about this game is what sort of impact Ethan Hill (who, incidentally, happens to the best 'footballer' I've seen in Mansfield's U18s over the past season or so) would’ve made in this game? Could he have handled the pace/intensity or would it have been too much? He's good in possession, technical and a player I'd love to see more from, and it's a fleeting thought I've had a couple of times whilst writing this article/report for the last hour-and-a-half.

Next Game: Doncaster Rovers (U18s) vs Rotherham United (U18s) in the FA Youth Cup Second Round.