City go second on Earnie's Stag night. Website reaction.

Last updated : 22 March 2003 By Michael Morris
Robert Earnshaw scored his 30th league goal of the season after an inch perfect Peter Thorne assist on 62 mins. It was the least City deserved, Mansfield competed well but in the area where it matters most in front of goal, they were lacking.

The stats show City had 16 efforts on goal to Mansfield's 4, City' problem was hitting the target. Earnie had a shot blocked by the keeper's legs on the stroke of half time and then he scored on 62 mins, as far as I can remember they were the only two efforts on target.

Earnie put three chances wide before the effort saved by the keeper in the first half and in the second half he placed a guilt edged chance over after a great run and lay off by Graham Kavanagh in the second half.

Mansfield were not a bad team, they looked as if the could be dangerous as they played through midfield but they fell apart in the final third, Christie toe-poked their best chance into the side netting and Neil Alexander produced a breathtaking one handed to save but the ref had already blown for a foul.

I felt that Spencer Prior had his best game for City for a long time, he nearly capped a fine display with a goal as he was inches away from a cross come shot that would he dolubled City's lead.

Ainsworth was a threat and it's great to see a player willing to take on the defeners to get to the bye line.

City should have won by more but they won. The 3 points take City second and the pressure is back on Crewe. They go to Luton today knowing only awin will get them back into second.

Oh and Earnie's goal was his 30th league goal this season. While it's a team game and everyone contributes there is no doubt that Sir Robert of Earnshaw is the reason we are where we are.

Two weeks off now, City have players jetting off all over Europe, 5 players with their countries for Euro 2004 qualifiers and 22 going to La Manga on a training exercise.