Stags’ midfielder Ben Whiteman says he is ‘on top of the world’ after scoring his first ever professional goal in this afternoon’s 3-0 victory over Crewe Alexandra.
The Sheffield United loanee struck a sweetly hit shot past Crewe ‘keeper Ben Garratt in the 48th-minute after striker Yoann Arquin had earlier scored a fifth-minute opener. Defender Rhys Bennett then capped off an excellent afternoon for the Stags with his maiden goal for the club seven minutes from time.
And although he admits he can’t remember much about the goal, Whiteman says it’s a great feeling to score your first senior goal.
“I can’t really remember it but I can remember the celebration, pointing up to my dad, and that’s about it,” Whiteman said.
“I’ve struck it well and it’s gone in so I’m over the moon. It was my first goal and it’s one of them that only comes around once.
“I think I owe the ‘keeper a bit of credit but I’m glad that I’ve scored.”
The 20-year-old has been involved in back-to-back wins since joining the club a week ago and he says it’s now time to build on those performances.
“I thought it was a battling performance, like last week. We scored more goals and we were more clinical than last week. We’re delighted with the six points over the two games.
“That’s why I’ve come here, to play games, and hopefully help the team to climb the table and push for that promotion.
“With the gaffer here, he’s had countless promotions and I think he’s going to bring some more players in and we really want that promotion.”
The former Manchester United trainee says he has settled in well since making the switch to One Call Stadium and says he jumped at the chance to join the Stags after hearing of the interest from manager Steve Evans.
“The gaffer was on the phone to my agent and really wanted me here and as soon as I knew there was interest, I had no hesitation to come.
“He’s (the manager) been first class with me. The lads have been first class as well, I feel really welcome and I can’t thank them enough.
“I’m a footballer so I want to play football games and luckily Mansfield have come in for me and hopefully I can play games [here].
“The gaffer’s had countless promotions and that’s why I’ve come here because hopefully we can get ourselves up.”
Supporters can view Ben Whiteman’s first interview since joining the club on Stags PlayerHD.
