Young midfielder Keaton Ward likened the Stags' under 18s to a family after a superb collective performance in tonight's 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace in the FA Youth Cup, which ultimately ended in penalty shootout heartbreak.
After going behind in the opening 20 minutes, Stags hit back through defender Aiden Walker just before half-time, before substitute Jake Dumbleton sent the tie for penalties with his strike late in extra-time.
Stags then lost 6-5 on penalties after frontman Iyrwah Gooden put his effort over the bar from 12 yards.
Speaking after the game, the impressive Ward spoke passionately about the close-knit bond the players have inside the changing room.
"I love [playing in this team]. [It's the] best team I could play with", Ward said.
"We all dig in for each other [and] love each other to bits. We're with each other 24/7 over at Brooksby [Melton College]. It's like we're a family."
The creative midfielder praised his team-mates for their dogged performance against the Eagles this evening and believes Stags deserved to emerge as victors.
"We all dig in for each other [and] love each other to bits. We're with each other 24/7 over at Brooksby [Melton College]. It's like we're a family."
"It was very hard. It was a lot on the legs but I think we dug in well to get through all 120 minutes.
"A few of us pulled up but not much and then we showed our fitness.
"We came with a game plan to stop them playing how they wanted to.
"[We were] winning second balls and then getting on it. Slowing the game down when we needed to, speeding it up when we needed to.
"I think their class shone through a little bit but I think we were the better side."
Mansfield have been in fantastic form of late and went into tonight's game on the back of six successive wins and clean sheets in the league. Ward has been at the centre of that good run, scoring two in their last game, and he discussed why the Stags have been so strong.
"I think we've just rode the momentum.
"John [Dempster] tells us every game 'just ride your momentum' but keeping the clean sheets has been big as well so we've all dug in together.
"Obviously it's good to score and create goals, I enjoy it."
Supporters can view Keaton Ward's post-match interview on iFollow Stags.
