Stags’ boss David Flitcroft has highlighted his players’ qualities of ‘attitude, application and character’ in yesterday’s 3-1 reserves’ win at Rotherham United.
Rotherham took an early lead which was cancelled out by a leveller from midfielder Calum Butcher inside the opening ten minutes and added to by Otis Khan’s strike in the second half, before Butcher found the net again late on.
“It was brilliant to see both the experienced and younger players together, with driving performances from the likes of Calum Butcher, Otis Khan and Lewis Gibbens, as well as David Mirfin getting 45 minutes following his injury” said Stags’ boss David Flitcroft, speaking to www.mansfieldtown.net this morning.
“It’s important for the younger players to experience first hand that the more experienced players are giving it their all in reserve games, so I was really pleased with our players’ attitude, application and character in this game.”
“It was great to see the chairman and Mark Hawkins (co-youth director), along with John Dempster (academy manager), Mike Whitlow (U21s coach) and Richard Cooper (senior professional development coach) observing the match, together."
Despite an impressive team performance, goalkeeper Jake Kean suffered concussion in the second half after colliding with an opponent when attempting to claim the ball and will now miss Saturday’s first team match at home to Yeovil Town.
Striker Jordan Graham twisted his ankle in the first half and has potential ligament damage and will continue to be assessed.
“Our medical staff and the medical team at Rotherham were excellent in their initial and immediate treatment towards Jake," said the manager.
“We will now be advised and led by our medial staff and follow the FA guidelines in relation to concussion.”
Stags – a united a club who currently sit fourth in Sky Bet League Two – were represented well at the reserves fixture, which took place at Rotherham’s training ground.
“Myself and Futch (assistant manager Ben Futcher) took the first team training session in the morning with the players who have been playing and then headed over to Rotherham.
“It was great to see the chairman and Mark Hawkins (co-youth director), along with John Dempster (academy manager), Mike Whitlow (U21s coach) and Richard Cooper (senior professional development coach) observing the match, together.
“A clear pathway from the academy to the reserves and then first team is critical to our club’s future.”
