Stags’ skipper Krystian Pearce has hailed his side’s ‘decision making’ as the main component behind the 3-1 victory against Macclesfield Town.
The first half ended all square as Jorge Grant’s opener was cancelled out by Callum Evans at One Call Stadium.
But Mansfield turned up the heat in the second period with Pearce and Tyler Walker securing three points with a goal apiece.
The commanding centre-half subsequently praised the Stags’ second-half showing as they restricted Sol Campbell’s men to few chances.
“Decision making [was the difference] because we tried to overplay it at times and got caught out,” Pearce began. “But in the second half we made better decisions and got a better outcome, too.
“They were set up to try and counter attack and hit us on the break but I think we dealt with it well and got the three points.
“They were two very different halves. We got to grips more in the second half and we took our chances – which they didn’t.
“After the draw against Forest Green we wanted to back it up with a win. That becomes a good point now against them and we’re closing the gap on the other team [Lincoln].
“Hopefully we can keep on closing it to Lincoln as well.”
"They were two very different halves. We got to grips more in the second half and we took our chances – which they didn’t."
There were 5,642 fans on-hand to witness the Stags’ 15th win in Sky Bet League Two as a result of their under-18s go free offer.
The 29-year-old subsequently praised the bumper crowd that was in attendance as he netted his first goal of the season.
“They [the fans] have been right behind us since the start of the season and obviously with every win the confidence is only growing around the ground. We hope it continues.
“I hope it [Pearce’s goal] isn’t a collector’s item. I’ve been told to stay back for most corners so I’ve not been able to get in the box like in previous seasons but I’m glad to get off the mark.
“It was definitely my goal. 100 percent. I’ve spun around and lost my marker so being free in the box and the rest is history – I’ve put it in,” he joked.
“Nobody has tried to take it away from me, definitely not.”
Mansfield’s victory takes them to within two points of table-toppers Lincoln City, whose visit to the One Call Stadium has now been moved for televised coverage.
Pearce stated his unwavering focus towards the game when the two sides meet next month.
“Whenever we play Lincoln it’s always the same for me – I just want to get three points and a clean sheet. That’s what we’ll be trying to get.”
“It’s [the title chase] been the aim since day one and hopefully come the end of the season I can be lifting that trophy.”
“We have the best defence by a good few goals now, the most clean sheets as well, so we’re just trying to keep as many as possible.”
iFollow Stags subscribers can watch the skipper's interview in full by logging into mansfieldtown.net/ifollow later today.
