Academy manager John Dempster was pleased with the attitude and application shown by his side in the second half of their 2-1 victory over local rivals Notts County on Saturday.
The victory ensured the youngsters drew level with pace-setters Rotherham United in the EFL Youth Alliance, after a second half brace from defender Lewis Gibbens ensured the young Stags came from behind to win against the Magpies.
And although Dempster admits he was disappointed with the way in which his side performed in the first half, the second half display was much-improved.
"We were very disappointed at half-time with the first half performance," Dempster said.
"We planned to set up to high press Notts County, get in their faces and be aggressive and found that the attitude and application was lacking in the first 45 minutes, which is something that I haven't been able to throw at the group very often.
"Fortunately for the group, they did react at half-time and they set about the game plan much better. They made it difficult for Notts County, who were quite a young side with quite a lot of talented players playing for them.
"We were much better in the second half and we were pleased with how the boys reacted and we scored from two well-worked set plays, which is always pleasing. I think it emphasises to our players the importance of set plays, being organised and doing additional work on the training field."
Defender Lewis Gibbens scored from two set pieces in the second period and former Stags' skipper Dempster was thrilled to see their training ground work come to fruition in a competitive situation.
"The first one was a silly foul by one of the Notts County midfielders, it was central but slightly to the right in their half.
"We took a well-worked free-kick where Henri Wilder makes a late run to the back post to head the ball back across into the danger area and luckily for us, Lewis Gibbens timed his run to perfection and placed the ball in the bottom corner.
"For the second goal, it was a well-worked corner where the lads attacked different areas of the goal and again, Lewis Gibbens pops up at the front post to flick the ball into the back of the net.
"The boys were delighted to get the win and show the right attitude and application in the second half. We praised them at full-time but reminded them of the importance of starting the game well, as it's a 90-minute match, not a 45 minute match."
