On Tuesday 18th March, the Utilita Kids Cup Regional Finals took place in Wycombe, with 12 teams battling for the chance to face the North finalists in the League One playoffs at Wembley. Representing Mansfield Town, Dalestorth performed exceptionally well after qualifying from the local area finals, where they remained undefeated without conceding a goal.
Group Stage Performance
Mansfield Town, dominated the group stage, remaining undefeated with four wins and one draw. With 13 points out of a possible 15, they topped their group and secured the number one seed heading into the knockout rounds.
Match Results:
Mansfield Town 1-0 Bristol Rovers – A great opening effort, controlling the game from start to finish. A fantastic goal midway through secured the victory.
Mansfield Town 2-1 Wycombe Wanderers – A solid performance despite the scoreline. Wycombe scored a stunning goal from the halfway line, but two well-taken goals from Mansfield ensured the win.
Mansfield Town 1-1 Cambridge – A closely contested match against the eventual group runners-up.
Mansfield Town 1-0 Stevenage – Another crucial victory, with both goalkeepers making excellent saves in a low-scoring affair.
Mansfield Town 1-0 Northampton – Maintaining momentum despite already securing qualification, Mansfield finished the group stage with a strong performance.
Knockout Stage – Quarter Finals
Mansfield Town 0-2 Peterborough – The Stags’ journey ended in heartbreak as Peterborough struck early and held on to their lead. Despite their best efforts, Mansfield was unable to break through their opponent’s defence.
A Day to Remember
It was an unforgettable experience for the Dalestorth players, who proudly represented Mansfield Town. The team’s journey began with a 6 AM departure for the three-hour trip, but the enthusiasm and excitement never wavered. The fantastic support from parents added to the occasion, making it a memorable day for everyone involved.
Topping the group and advancing as the number one seed was a remarkable achievement, and every player should be incredibly proud of their performance. On another day, we could have seen Dalestorth competing for a place at Wembley, but their efforts and determination throughout the tournament were truly commendable.
A huge thank you to all the players, coaches, and family members for their dedication and passion. Thank you to Wycombe Wanderers Foundation for putting on a great tournament!
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