Mansfield Town

Benning admits surprise at sweet strike which opens Stags' goal account.

Mansfield Town left-back Malvind Benning admitted he was delighted with his thunderous effort from 25-yards, as the debutant scored the opening goal during Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Carlisle United in League Two.

Speaking to Benning post-match, the former Walsall defender shared that he had been working hard on his set-piece taking in training heading in to the first competitive game of the season, and couldn’t believe his luck when his pinpoint effort landed perfectly in the top corner of the net. “I couldn’t believe how sweetly it went in,” said Benning.

“I said in the changing room just before [the game] that I was practising my free-kicks after training yesterday with Clem [Chris Clements] and some of the other boys. Yesterday I couldn’t get any of them on target so luckily today it went in.

“When it comes to that I usually try and perfect my technique but obviously it’s not perfect yet, but today I luckily hit it right.

 “It’s obviously up to the gaffer who takes the free-kicks, but from today hopefully I can get a couple more chances and a see more of them fly in.” The summer signing swapped League One for League Two after making the move from the Saddlers during the summer, but after an impressive display in his first game in amber & blue, the 21-year old feels he can play even better in future matches.

Benning continued: “I feel I can still give more going forward and attacking-wise. Obviously it was the first game of the season and everyone is a bit cagey, but I think we can gel more and give more as a team, but I think as for me there is definitely more to come.”

Talking about the game itself, Benning maintained that Jabo Ibehre’s equalising goal was avoidable, but a point apiece was fair for both sides on the day.

“I think the result was fair. Both teams had chances to win; they had good spells, we had good spells, but the main point is that we are off the mark.

“The goal was definitely preventable. As a back-four we thought we were too deep, but you can’t just put the blame on one person because as a team we know that after the initial header there was plenty more going on.

“We have new players and it’s a new team; we can’t use that excuse all the time but as it is only the first game we have plenty more time to work hard and gel on the training pitch, and become a force.”