After narrowly missing out on automatic promotion from the EFL League Two, Port Vale and Mansfield Town both secured spots in the division’s play-off final at Wembley Stadium with the winners earning the right to League One football. Eventual victors Port Vale beat Swindon Town on penalties after a deadlock over two legs, while Mansfield Town beat Northampton Town 3-1 on aggregate. A strong start from Vale allowed them to gain a stronghold on the game, with a helping hand in the way of a Mansfield Town red card during the first half. This tactical analysis will put a scope on the tactics deployed by the winners along with an analysis of what key elements Mansfield got wrong.
Lineups
Nigel Clough deployed a 4-3-1-2 shape for the Stags, with Nathan Bishop, on loan from Manchester United, between the sticks. Stephen Mclaughlin and Elliot Hewitt operated as full-backs with veteran James Perch lining up alongside the eventual recipient of a red card, Oliver Hawkins. A wealth of experience was present in Clough’s midfield in the shape of Stephen Quinn and John-Joe O’Toole, who lined up next to another man with Premier League experience in Matty Longstaff. The midfield trio had more experience ahead of them with Jamie Murphy operating in a more advanced position. Jordan Bowery and Rhys Oates lead the line.
Darrell Clarke opted for a 3-5-2 which allowed for defensive stability, midfield dominance and a strong offensive presence. Former Mansfield player Aidan Stone started in goal, with a back three of Connor Hall, Nathan Smith, and James Gibbons. In midfield, David Worrall and Mal Benning operated on the flank, with Tom Pett, Jake Taylor, and Ben Garrity in the engine room. James Wilson partnered Kian Harratt up front.
