Defender Hayden White has cited Mansfield Town’s ‘togetherness’ as a big part of securing their first victory of the 2019/20 campaign, following a convincing 2-0 win over Carlisle United.
A peerless display from the Stags’ number 2 helped drive his side towards not only three points but also a well-deserved clean sheet at Brunton Park.
Strikers Danny Rose and Nicky Maynard were on target for John Dempster’s side in the first half, and White believes Mansfield’s team spirit was evident in securing three points in Cumbria.
“The manner of the goals, the clean sheet as a defender and the togetherness of the group means it’s a big result for us,” he told iFollow Stags.
“It’s a big result but it’s still early on in the season. We’ve drawn the last three but the boys really needed that and it’ll be a big boost for us.
“Nicky and Rosey [were crucial]. We have a good dressing room and we do get on, everyone’s happy.”
The 24-year-old, who played on the right of a back-three, also praised the defensive side of Mansfield’s game as they limited the Cumbrians to very few chances throughout the contest.
“When you come to places like this it’s always going to be difficult – there’ll be periods in the game where you have to sit back and defend and I think we did that really well today.
“They [Carlisle] have changed the way that they play a little, they aren’t as direct, but as a defensive unit everyone did their job today so I’m really pleased with that.
“It’s not just me, it’s everyone in the changing room. They all contribute win, lose or draw we’re all together.
“But on a personal note I am pleased to come back in and get the clean sheet.”
The former Peterborough man reserved special words for the travelling Stags’ faithful, after 292 made the tiring journey north.
“It’s a really long journey [to Carlisle],” he continued.
“And as the boys showed their appreciation afterwards by going over they can get us through these types of games, especially away from home.
“They’ve been fantastic since I’ve been here and I’m sure they’ll continue to be fantastic.
“It’s early on and as we’ve seen from last season things can go either way so it’s important we take each game as it comes and we’ll go into Tuesday’s game against Leyton Orient bouncing.”
iFollow Stags subscribers can watch Hayden's interview in full by logging into mansfieldtown.net/ifollow later today.
