Mansfield Town

Boss disappointed with errors that contributed to goals in 2-0 loss at Meadow Lane.

Manager Paul Cox admits he was bitterly disappointed with the errors that contributed to our team’s 2-0 loss at Notts County tonight.

Goals from Ronan Murray and Jake Cassidy saw the Magpies progress to the Second Round of the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy, and thus eliminate our team.

“We were beaten by a better team – it’s as simple as that,” said Cox.

“They seemed to have an extra drive in them, worked extremely hard with the ball, worked extremely hard off the ball, and they thoroughly deserved the win.

He continued: “We need that bravely in the last third. We need to get hold of the ball, create opportunities and have a shot at goal.

“I thought we started well, but the longer the game went on they ground us down. Usually stuff we’re very good at as a unit I just thought they were better.”

Our boss’ biggest frustration was our defensive errors in the build up to both of Notts County’s goals, which were scored in either half.

“There’s another scenario today where we’ve just switched off for two goals and sort of let teams stroll through us without any sort of stubbornness,” said Cox.

“We’re usually a team that are really resolute and hard to break down, but it’s like we’re caught between a million and one things at the minute.”

On right-back Liam Marsden, who hobbled off in the closing stages, Cox added: “He got a bit of a knock, but I think we’ll know [the extent of any damage] in the next 24 hours.

“I thought the kid did alright. It’s his first game back from injury. It’s nice to see him back playing and it’s another body for us.”

Paul Cox’s full post-match interview will be available on Stags Player later tonight. To subscribe, click here.