Stags’ midfielder Mitch Rose says today’s 1-1 draw with Leyton Orient can be viewed as an encouraging result after coming from behind.
Reggie Lambe’s first-half volley cancelled out Jay Simpson’s 12th-minute header to ensure Stags picked up a point at One Call Stadium this afternoon, meaning Adam Murray’s men are now unbeaten in three of their last four Sky Bet League Two fixtures.
The former Rotherham man was pleased with the point against Orient and believes his side could’ve snatched the win, with Krystian Pearce coming close as he clipped the post with a header.
“It was a tremendous result for the team – it was one where you look later on in the season and it’s a positive result for us going forward against a team who have aspirations, like us, of being in League One next season. We’ve got to keep getting these results and keep pushing forward throughout the season.
“Collectively as a team we were pushing each other until the 94th minute. Regardless of where I play, whether it’s right-back, right-midfield or central midfield, I’ll give my all for the team. It was a tough game because of the conditions but a massive result for us.
“I think we could’ve won, we’re a little bit disappointed not to take the three points today but we haven’t lost. We’ve got a point on the board so we’ve got to take the positives from the game.”
The Stags remain in seventh place, level on points with Bristol Rovers in eighth – and Rose believes the Stags have got to start picking up points against teams in the higher echelons of the division to progress up the league.
“It has been highlighted that we’ve been dominating [teams in the] the bottom half of the league and we have now got to start kicking on against the top competitors in the league.
“We’ve got to be patient, we’ve shown throughout the season that we’ve got the quality to compete and be better than the top teams, so it’s only a matter of time [before we beat the top teams].”
Rose’s versatility has been a useful ploy for Murray in the tough demands of League Two football, and the Stags’ number four says he doesn’t mind moving positions and knows he will improve by putting in the practice.
“Some games I’ve found myself being ineffective, but the manager’s praised me and said I’ve been really effective and done well. Each week I’ve got to keep getting better, keep practising and shape my game.
“I take a lot of gratitude from that, that he [Adam Murray] trusts me in a position that’s not naturally mine, he sees that I’m able to play there. I will always do my best.”
You can see Rose's interview, in full, on Stags Player.
