Stags’ boss Steve Evans believes his side’s dominance prior to Doncaster’s equaliser in today’s 1-1 draw warranted more than a point against the league-leaders.
Striker Matt Green’s 59th-minute goal complemented the Stags’ dominance for the majority of the game, but Evans’ men conceded a Liam Mandeville equaliser from the penalty spot 13 minutes from time.
And the gaffer says a second goal would have been the perfect reward for his side’s dominance before Rovers got back on level terms.
“I think the game today was in two parts. It was probably 77-78 minutes in the game in which we were the better side by a long way, and probably should have put the game to bed, but that didn’t happen.
“[We are a] bit disappointed to have drawn a game in which if we had got the second goal, and we should have had the second goal, then the game would have been dead.
“You have to punish the better teams, because they are always going to be resolute, always going to come back at you. So, we go away disappointed.”
Although the Stags showcased a strong team display, Evans singled out sponsors’ Man-of-the-Match Danny Rose for praise.
“[He got the man-of-the-match] and deservedly so.
“I thought he was a real handful. I said to him before the game if I hadn’t picked him today, he would have been entitled to come in and ask a reason why, because he has been coming on and proving a point.”
The former Rotherham United manager further added that this point and the nature of his side’s performance could prove to be the stepping stone to climb the Sky Bet League Two table, as the side head into the New Year with the away trip to Blackpool in two days.
The boss said: “When you turn up in the morning, you ask your players to put in the minimum, which is work as hard as they have worked today.
“We go into the New Year with a character and a discipline in the team in terms of the performance, and of course we need to add some quality to that.
“We have to freshen up. I think the game in two days, with the amount of free weeks you have got in the Football League, is perhaps a bit unfair. But I understand why, with the Christmas period and New Year period.
“But we are going to go there (Blackpool), and try and put in a determined performance.”
The Stags’ chief concluded by hailing the impact of the fans inside One Call Stadium and hopes to give them something to cheer about in the New Year.
“I think every football match brings in new challenges, and it is going to be tough, but the Mansfield fans are going to enjoy a good 2017.
“I have said it on Boxing Day, and I will say it now – the supporters are the life-blood of the football club. I think today, Mansfield Town fans will go home disappointed because we have not won the game.
“We dominated it for long periods, but they will go home today thinking the lads have given them a real go today.”
Supporters can view Steve Evans’ post-match interview on Stags PlayerHD.
