Mansfield Town 1, Huddersfield Town 2

Jul 23 2005 By The Huddersfield Daily Examiner

There wasn't the same punch from midfield, however, where Mark Hudson was recalled to the senior ranks to play alongside Worthington and Brandon and Town appeared ponderous as Mansfield got to grips in the second half.

Former Arsenal youngster Adam Birchall, in fact, caused plenty of problems with his speed and trickery on the ball and he was inches away from teeing up Richard Barker with an opening goal on 54 minutes.

Town, for some reason, lost shape and rhythm and were horribly exposed on a number of occasions.

They even messed up a free-kick when Andy Holdsworth tapped and no-one responded - almost presenting Mansfield with a breakaway goal which would have been hugely embarrassing.

At least it happened in a pre- season workout, and while Jackson was unhappy with the overall display, he may well have learned more last night than in all of the games so far.

Town - Rachubka, Holdsworth, Carss (Adams 71), T Clarke, McIntosh, Mirfin, Brandon, Booth (Mendes 78), Abbott (Taylor-Fletcher 64), Worthington (Schofield 71), Hudson (Collins 64). Subs not used: Senior, McAliskey.