Mansfield Town manager Adam Murray was pleased with his side’s ruthless nature during today’s 3-0 victory over Newport County AFC.
Three fantastic goals from Craig Westcarr, Malvind Benning and Adi Yussuf sealed Stags’ third consecutive win which leaves them just a point off top spot.
Murray was pleased with how his side took their chances in the second half of today’s game and he wants them to continue that going forward.
“We spoke to the lads before the game about being ruthless. We know that while we’re on the run that we’re on, we need to keep putting teams to the sword, it was a ruthless performance today.
“Again, it was a selfless performance from everyone.”
For the second week running, defender Malvind Benning produced a strike which is certain to be a goal of the season contender and the gaffer described it as an ‘X-Factor’ moment.
“[It was] great play around the box for Westy’s (Craig Westcarr) opener and what a finish,” Murray said.
“Then Mal Benning’s going for goal of the season on his own this season! It was another great bit of skill and then Adi (Yussuf) does what he does.”
Although he didn’t manage to get on the scoresheet himself, Jack Thomas came in for praise from the boss for his two assists this afternoon.
“He was superb. Me and Jack went for breakfast on Thursday and we had a good chat and Jack knows how much I love him.
“He knows he’s got my full support and he has done for the last few years and he’s got a bright future. He knows that he’s got to keep his foot down on the gas and nothing comes easy in this game.
“[It was] a great ball from Jack to pick him (Benning) out, he could’ve just put it into an area, but he’s picked him out and Mal did the rest.”
Murray says that the hard work put in on the training ground by his players is paying off after his side’s sixth home game without defeat today.
“There’s a strong belief in there (the squad) and there was times in the second half where I thought we took our foot off the gas a little bit but that was put right quickly.
“They’re in the position they are, as a team, because of how hard they’re working. We’ve got to give credit to this team because after a quarter of the season, they’re the people who have done it.
The gaffer admitted that his side are currently ahead of schedule with regard to the targets which he set out at the beginning of the season, and is delighted with their progress so far.
Murray said: “We knew we had a good group but we thought it would take a little bit longer to click. I’ve said from the off that I want this to be a progressive season.
“Everything goes up a notch now. The first quarter’s done, we turn it up.”
