Stags’ midfielder Joel Byrom says today’s victory over Cambridge United shows the character possessed by the Stags’ squad.
Stags had to come from behind against the U’s after George Maris’ early opener, but goals from defender Krystian Pearce and striker Shaquile Coulthirst secured the three points after Leon Legge’s own goal just before half-time.
And Byrom says Stags showed great endeavour to overturn a one-goal deficit against an in-form U’s side who haven’t lost since November in Sky Bet League Two.
“That shows the character of the boys and the team we’ve got at the minute. We’ve gone a goal down to a team that not many teams come here and win and we’ve gone and turned it around and won quite comfortably in the end,” the former Northampton man said.
“You take anything, especially away from home. We got the goal, we went in at half-time 1-1 and then [in the] second half we came out and we showed what we were about. We got the goal from the corner and then I think we were comfortable and saw the game out really well and got the third.”
The 30-year-old says he feels like his match sharpness is improving after completing another 90 minutes in Stags’ colours this afternoon.
“I’ve played 45 minutes of league football so far and you can do all the training you want but nothing replicates a matchday and I think I’m getting stronger throughout the games now. I got another 90 minutes under my belt today and it was good to and I’m feeling better.
“I think we’ve got a really strong squad at the minute. The manager talked about adding to it even more and that’s just competition for places.
“We’re not one to look towards the end of the season now, we’re looking towards the next game and the next league game is Saturday at home and hopefully we can pick up another three points and keep pushing up the league.”
Byrom won Sky Bet League Two with Northampton Town last season and he says it is key for the Stags to build on the momentum which they have gleaned from their six-match unbeaten run.
“I’ve been in teams that have won promotion and I think you get on these runs and you’ve just got to keep the momentum going.
"You've got to keep pushing and keep winning games and keep picking up points and see where you are at the end of the season. I think that’s what we’re looking at, to get to this standard.
“Not many teams have come to Cambridge this season and taken three points from them. They’ve been on a run since November where they’ve been unbeaten in the league, so it’s a great three points for us today.”
Supporters can view Joel Byrom’s post-match interview, in full, on Stags PlayerHD.
