Stags’ boss John Dempster says that the ‘perfect away performance’ against Carlisle that earned him his first league win as Mansfield boss is something he will ‘remember for the rest of his life.’
Two first-half goals from Danny Rose and Nicky Maynard, followed by a resolute defensive performance in the second-half, maintained Mansfield’s unbeaten start to the season and earned the former Stags’ captain his first victory as manager of the amber and blue.
He says that the players ‘gave him everything’ and ‘deserved’ the three points.
“I think it was [the perfect away performance]. We had a game plan and I thought, to a man, they [players] were outstanding today.
“I saw great leadership from individuals today and the game management was a joy to watch at times.
“I know the purists want to watch total football, but I like to see the gritty side of the game.
“It’s not about me today, but 18 years ago I made my league debut here, so it’s funny how football throws up these scenarios.
“I’m really pleased and proud of the players. We’ll dust them down and prepare for next week, but I think it’s important that the players enjoy tonight.
“It [first win] is massive and is something that I’ll remember for the rest of my life. I can’t really say much more than that really.
“The players in the squad gave me everything and they gave each other everything. They got what they deserved.
“I’m absolutely delighted [with the clean sheet]. I said to the players before the game that this squad of players have goals in them, but they also have clean sheets in them. Today was a perfect away performance.
“The fact that we’ve come to Carlisle and are going home with three points is a brilliant achievement.
“If you look at chances in the second-half, there weren’t a great deal for either side. We were pleased with that after a great first-half performance against the wind.
“You have to credit all of the players [for the clean sheet]. When you look at the work-rate that the midfield five put in today, it was exceptional.”
The boss also spoke of the two goals – from Rose (below) and Maynard in the first-half – that secured the win for the Stags.
“That [Rose goal] was top drawer. That was the finish of a striker. He’s playing with confidence and he’s playing with freedom.
“But he worked hard in our own box as well, heading away three or four balls in strong wind.
“He did the business in the attacking box, but he also did his job in the defensive box too, which I expect from the players.
“[For the second goal] it [ball] hit the referee, which means it’s a restart. The boys were bright with it.
“The sniffer dog Nicky Maynard is in and around the penalty area and it’s a very clever finish. To hit it like he did was trademark Nicky Maynard."
The manager also urged his players to ‘enjoy’ the victory, before they return to focus on Tuesday evening’s home match against Leyton Orient.
“The victory gives us momentum and gives the players belief. But we’re not going to get too carried away.
“It’s a win in the league that we deserved and we’ll enjoy it. The players will go back to their families tonight and I’m sure they’ll be buzzing.
“Then we’ll move on to focus on the midweek game [against Leyton Orient] on Monday.”
iFollow Stags subscribers can watch the manager’s interview in full by logging into mansfieldtown.net/ifollow later today.
