Stags’ boss Adam Murray says his side are beginning to get the luck that their performances deserve after this evening’s 1-0 win over League One side Port Vale in the Checkatrade Trophy.
Striker Matt Green came off the bench to score the winner at Vale Park and Stags more than matched their higher division opponents throughout the game.
And manager Adam Murray says his side’s performance level was similar to that of recent weeks, but they got that bit of luck which is sometimes required to win matches.
“It was a very good performance but it was no less than the performances we’ve been putting in. We took one of our chances tonight and we defended like we always defend,” Murray said.
“The work ethic and the discipline from the lads was superb and at the right time we had that little bit of quality that we needed but in terms of the performance, nothing’s changed from the last five or six games, it’s just that we had a little bit of Lady Luck tonight that we’ve not had.
“The group’s really confident, we know how good we can be, and I think I said it a couple of weeks ago and it’s hard for people to take at the time, as soon as Lady Luck swings back around again we’ll be okay, and I’m fully confident in that.”
Last season’s top scorer Matt Green has been named amongst the substitutes for the last three matches and Murray said the former Birmingham City man, alongside a number of other players, put in strong performances in Staffordshire this evening.
“For Greeny to come on and do what he did was fantastic but I thought there was top performances all over the pitch today. Oscar [Gobern] came in and did fantastic, Hendo (Darius Henderson) was superb, he showed what he’s all about tonight, CJ [Hamilton], Ashley Hemmings [both played well].
“You’ve got to understand these guys are putting shifts in and doing discipline and tactical work that they’ve never done before and it’s tough because it’s easy to switch off when you’re a flair player but I think they’re finding that it’s alright having the flair but you’re expected to do the doggy stuff in this team.”
The gaffer handed 17-year-old Tom Marriott his first team debut this evening and Murray said he was impressed with the winger’s performance.
“I don’t he could’ve done much more to be honest with you.
“He got in to some great positions, [he's] technically very good, fitness was good, [the] tempo to match a League One team was very good and he couldn’t have done much more.
“The infrastructure, not just me, but the infrastructure that me and the people that I’ve brought in have put in place, that’s just a little product of what’s to come.
“People see us winning youth team game after youth team game and go ‘they all should be playing in League Two’ – the gap is huge, and we have to do it patiently. The reserves this season is going to bridge the gap, but I thought his performance today was outstanding.”
Adam Murray’s post-match interview is now available to view on Stags PlayerHD.
