Striker Nicky Ajose specified ‘intensity and belief’ as the two main components that fuelled Mansfield Town’s 3-2 comeback victory over Colchester United.
The on-loan frontman, who joined the Stags from Charlton Athletic on Monday, netted his first goal in Mansfield colours on Saturday afternoon.
Connecting with Tyler Walker’s cross in the 51st minute, Ajose scored the first of three Mansfield goals to spark a superb comeback at the JobServe Community Stadium.
However, the striker diverted attention towards the squad’s obvious desire to recover from a two-goal deficit at the break.
“I think the intensity and belief were key,” Ajose stated. “If our mentality wasn’t quite right first half it certainly was second half.
“We were lucky enough to only be two down so on reflection it’s a great result and it shows what we’re about with the characters we’ve got.
“You come to a top six side and when it’s two-nil at half time, nine times out of ten that’s game over, but not here with this group of lads.
"I think the intensity and belief were key. If our mentality wasn’t quite right first half it certainly was second half."
"They’ve took me in and from what I have seen it’s going to be a good season.”
The 27-year-old also recognised the first-half showing was below par and drew attention to the faults they were able to rectify during a peerless second half.
“We knew the first half wasn’t good enough and we just didn’t win our individual battles.
“Me and Ty [Walker] at the front we weren’t getting enough second balls – plus the two goals we conceded were poor.
“When we’ve come in the gaffer was calm. He’s just questioned us and challenged us, saying ‘is that what we’re about?’
“We were not happy so we’ve gone out and reacted in the right way. We blitzed them second half.”
Despite the spectacular result, Hayden White was forced off during second-half injury time for a suspected broken ankle.
Ajose touched upon this news and gave words of encouragement on behalf of his teammates.
“I didn’t know until we got into the dressing room but they think it’s a bad injury,” he continued.
“We’re all gutted for White and we have our fingers crossed
“All we can do now is try and make sure when he returns, if it is a bad injury, it’s in League One.”
