Manager Paul Cox says he can’t fault the work ethic of his players, despite tonight’s 1-0 loss at Burton Albion in Sky Bet League Two.
The Stags were on top when Billy Kee headed home Adam McGurk’s cross to earn the hosts maximum points in the 79th minute.
However, our boss felt we should have been awarded a spot-kick late on, when two Burton players committed offences inside their own area – incidents which were missed by the officials.
“I’m a little bit gutted for the boys, because I thought they did everything but put the ball in the back of the net,” said Cox.
“I thought we at least warranted a point. They [Burton] probably had the lion’s share of possession in the first half, but I thought we were the better side in the second half.
“We were effective, we played on the front foot, and we looked quite threatening.”
Cox continued: “But it leaves a sour taste when there is a blatant push at the far-post, and it is not picked up by the officials.
“The push at the back-post was as blatant as was the handball, but we’ve just got to pick ourselves up. That’s all we can do now.”
Both Ritchie Sutton and Lee Stevenson had to leave the field through injury during the match, and our boss gave an update on their respective situations.
“Sutts (Sutton) pulled his thigh and Stevenson did his calf,” added Cox.
