Mansfield Town

Stand-in skipper reflects on draw with Cambridge United.

Stand-in skipper Jamie McGuire was satisfied with the Stags' performance in today’s goalless draw with Cambridge United.
 
Despite a growing injury list, the Stags battled with passion and desire from the defence through to attack and the 30-year-old was able to draw positives from a heart-on-sleeves like display against difficult opposition.
 
"You looked at the subs bench and you thought ‘Who's going to freshen up? Who's going to come on?’ but it was hard to get anyone on," said McGuire.
 
"We had a few little chances in the first half that we could've maybe scored, but all in all I think we are happy with a point.

"There's a lot of spirit in there and the lads dug in today. We will carry on with that, you'll always get spirit from the boys. We got a good point against a very good Cambridge side."

Standing in for the suspended Adam Murray as captain, McGuire excelled in his role of leadership on the pitch and was one of the stronger performers on the day.

He also acknowledged and praised Mansfield's shield in the form of the back three and Swiss goalkeeper Sascha Studer.
 
"They (the defence) stood up strong and so did Sash. He pulled off two good saves towards the end, so he's getting better every game.
 
"The back three were brilliant today. Young Jamie [Sendles-White] has come in and you don't realise he is only 20 years of age. In his second game, he looks as if he has been here all season, so he's done really well. Martin Riley - he was man of the match. Solid as ever, he was brilliant."
 
Looking ahead towards Tuesday's game at Tranmere Rovers, McGuire added: "It's going to be a difficult game. They've got a new manager in Micky Adams. He's going to get them running around and they will be wanting to try and impress him.
 
"It's going to be a difficult game. The boys will roll their sleeves up and they will be ready to go again Tuesday.”