Will Jaaskelainen says the Crewe Alexandra dressing room was left rather frustrated that we didn’t take advantage of our superb opening half an hour against Mansfield and put the game to bed.
Crewe took an early lead through Chuma Anene’s close range finish from Charlie Kirk’s low cross- but we failed to build on that and the Stags drew level after what boss David Artell described as a ‘Sunday League goal’.
Striker Andy Cook took advantage of Eddie Nolan’s short back header from a long punt up the pitch to lift his shot over the Crewe number one for an equaliser that came somewhat against the run of play.
Crewe had to settle for a point against the Stags in the end- but in truth the game could have gone either way with both sides having good chances. Jaaskelainen was called upon twice to deny our former striker Nicky Maynard in one-on-one situations and Maynard also hit the post with a diving header.
Charlie Kirk also hit the Mansfield post for Crewe and Oli Finney and Anene both spurned good chances in a fairly open affair at Gresty Road.
Will told iFollow the Alex: “It was frustrating because we wanted to win the game and had enough chances to have won it but they also had chances and if we couldn’t win it, it was important that we didn’t lose it.
“It was frustrating not to get the three points but those odd points may yet be useful at the end of the season. The more we can go unbeaten, the more points we will collect on the way but we wanted the three points.
“I thought we did reasonably well, especially in that first half and it was just one of those days.
“The goal we conceded was poor. We weren’t prepared for it and it was some kick from their goalkeeper. Eddie has got his head on it but it has fallen to their striker and he has had a touch and lifted it over me. In those situations you can be caught in two minds whether to come or stay and it is something I am always learning from.
On his own crucial saves from Maynard, the agile stopper, 21, said: “The first one I had to save, because it was my fault from my poor clearance! The second one I just tried to stand up for as long as possible and force him into a decision. If I had gone too early, he would have just picked me out, so it was a good save to make because Nicky is a top striker.”