Stags' boss David Flitcroft has cited the 'strong togetherness' of his charges as the reason for Mansfield's remarkable comeback victory against Colchester this afternoon.
The amber and blue found themselves two goals down at the break, but second-half strikes from Nicky Ajose, Tyler Walker and CJ Hamilton ensured the Stags would take all three points in dramatic fashion.
The manager says that 'a colective work ethic' was key in securing the victory, while also praising the seamless transition that Stags' January additions have made.
"There's been a collective work ethic and togetherness all season," he said. "The new players that have come in have fitted in really quickly.
"To see loan players adapt and want to be Mansfield Town players, you realise that the togetherness is strong.
"In moments when you're one-nil or two-nil down, you need a resolve. We impacted more on them in the second-half.
"In the first-half it was too intricate. There was no punch or impact. It wasn't us. We had to make their defenders work and we didn't first half.
"Nicky's ball [to Hamilton], he put that in thinking like a striker. It's a phenomenal ball.
"Tyler's finish is pure. It's just outstanding really. You've got to ask questions of any team and we have done. The lads deserved that win.
"There's been a collective work ethic and togetherness all season. The new players that have come in have fitted in really quickly."
"The important one [goal] is the [first] one. That's what I explained to them at half-time. When you get to 2-1, it changes the mindset.
"But you can't run the risk of going for it and them going three up. Momentum is key and we had the momentum at 2-1 to put them on the back foot.
"We knew there was going to be a load of extra time and we saw the game out. It ended up being a great victory."
Despite Stags incredible win, the manager spoke with a sombre tone in his post-match interview, as he delivered the news that defender Hayden White has suffered a 'probable broken ankle.'
"He [White] has come in to the dressing room with probably a broken ankle, we think. It's a 99 percent probable broken ankle," he added.
"There has to be a duty of care [from referees]. That's what you're out there for, to manage the situations.
"Frank [Nouble] felt that he was wronged of a decision, then to go on, it's a horrific tackle. The management of the game from minute one until 96, you could feel it coming.
"The referee didn't have the last 15 minutes of the game [under control]. Even though we've had a win, it's taken the shine off it. My thoughts are with Whitey.
"It's part of the game, but it could have been prevented with better game management. It boiled over and it didn't have to.
"We'll go get him [White] an X-ray. We'll get him in a good place and work from there."
The boss says that despite the 'great win,' the dressing room is 'low' because of White's devastating injury.
"Colchester have been building this game up, but I said to the boys to just concentrate on being a player.
"John McGreal is a top person and top manager, and I have every bit of respect for him.
"It was a big game for Colchester and they built it up as a big game. We had to come and match their ethic and willingness.
"We didn't do that first-half, but second-half, when we did, it was a great win.
"The dressing room is low, with Whitey coming in there. He means a lot to them, because he's a leader.
"They listen to him and he's highly respected. I'll pick the boys up when we're next in. We'll grab some positives out of a poor situation."
iFollow Stags subscribers can watch the manager's interview in full by logging into mansfieldtown.net/ifollow later today.
