A Mansaram Special!!

By: Martin Copass
Date: 28/08/2002

OH DEAR! 2-0 down after 15 minutes, it’s not a good sign, but Darren Mansaram had other ideas and his fine work helped Town to get back into the game before half time.

A bigger tan usual crowd witnessed some dreadful defending, and Town found themselves 2-0 down with only eleven minutes gone. They could have actually been 4-0 down after 20 minutes but for a fine save by keeper Hughes and better finishing from the opposing strikers.

Then Darren Mansaram took over, as first he contributed to Phil Jevons opening goal, and then an amazing solo goal levelled the scores just seven minutes later. Just before these goals Graham Hockless failed to capitalise on an opportunity but this was soon forgotten after Mansaram’s goal. Despite his inexperience, with Town's inability to score goals you have to ask surely he’s worth at least a place on the bench?

Boston had a chance to regain the lead, but the effort was deflected for a corner. Almost straight away, Town took the lead when Chris Bolder curled in a shot from the edge of the box to complete an impressive if unlikely looking comeback.

The second half didn't quite live up to the first, but Town did continue to push forward looking for more goals with efforts from Hockless (2), Downes and a certain Mr Jevons missing a sitter!!

After 63 minutes, Chris Thomson, with Mansaram having taken ‘rough’ treatment from the Boston defence, replaced the Doncaster-born striker. More efforts from Thomson and Bolder came to nothing, but at least they looked like they may add to their three-goal tally.

A double substitution was made with eighteen minutes to go, with Parker and Pollock coming off to be replaced by Evers and Brown. Considering he hasn't played for a while, Pollock had a reasonable game and should be given plenty of opportunity to show what he can do. Graham Hockless limped off with around eight minutes to go, but even with ten men Town reserves held out to claim their first three points of the season. A good win despite the awful start to the game with some reasonable performances from the Town players.

If any body hasn't seen Darren Mansaram play, I would suggest they take the opportunity to do so if they can get to Town's next reserve game. That is unless the management have the common sense to pick him for the first team!!

Town. Hughes, Parker (Brown), Ward, Pollock (Evers), Raven Young, Downes, Bolder, Mansaram (Thomson), Jevons, Hockless.
Not used. Carchedi, Soames.

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