Mansfield Town

The Shrimps left One Call Stadium with all three points after Andrew Fleming scored the only goal of the game in the 13th minute and Stags couldn't find an equaliser despite a large part of the match being played in Morecambe's final third. 

And the boss says it's now important for his players to pick themselves up and get ready for the visit of the league leaders on Saturday as Stags go in to their second home fixture in succession. 

“We’re not going to do anything other than work hard on a team and a shape and get people freshened up again for Doncaster and see what we can do,” the Stags’ chief said.

“From our point of view, we can’t wait for January but we’ve got a game in between times and it doesn’t get any tougher than Doncaster coming.”

Although Stags continued to attack Morecambe throughout this afternoon’s 1-0 defeat, the manager was disappointed to not create many clear-cut opportunities.

“I don’t think we were overly creative today, that’s a bigger concern. I said when Matt Green missed a couple of chances, [at least] he’s in the position to miss them.

“I think the goalkeeper’s only had one save to make today from 25 yards and when it comes out we hit the post and young Rosie (Danny Rose) gave us an impact today when he came on but he should score, it’s an open goal.

“I’m not sitting here saying that we’ve dominated a football match in terms of our quality play but we’ve just absolutely dominated the game [in terms of possession].

“When you look at the stats of 13 corners for and two against and one’s nearly in added time, it demonstrates that we had all the ball, but we know what we’re lacking.”

The former Leeds United manager says he has continued his recruitment work over the festive period as he looks to add to his squad when the January transfer window opens next week. 

“I think all apart from a few hours on Christmas day, the staff will tell you, I’ve been travelling up and down the country and meeting agents and players and clubs and that will have to continue. 

“There’ll be some new players and we’re working really hard to get them. There’s no point me bringing bodies in that are similar to what we’ve got, Mansfield supporters deserve better than that.”

Supporters can view Steve Evans' post-match interview on Stags PlayerHD.