Forward CJ Hamilton paid homage to the travelling Mansfield Town support following the Stags’ sublime 4-1 victory over Exeter City.
Backed by 356 Stags' fans at St James Park, who were in fine voice all afternoon, Hamilton netted twice in 13 first-half minutes to give his side a deserved lead heading into the break.
Mansfield’s number 22 also engineered the chance for his teammate, Tyler Walker, to wrap up three points from the spot as he caused problems for the Grecians’ back-line all afternoon.
However, the ex-Sheffield United man deflected any praise towards the amber and blue faithful who had made the four hour trip to Devon.
“Every game I put the shirt on and try to give my best,” he stated. “And today I felt very good out there.
“The fans travel everywhere and I can’t thank them enough for their support because even if we do play bad they’re always there for us. To get this result for them is special.
“They were outstanding from minute one to 90, all through the game. They were chanting throughout and they gave us that extra lift to keep going.”
"The fans travel everywhere and I can’t thank them enough for their support because even if we do play bad they’re always there for us. To get this result for them is special."
The rapid frontman – who takes his tally to 12 goals for the season – detailed aspects of a psychological meeting held by Stags’ boss David Flitcroft midweek.
Flitcroft had wanted to understand exactly what inspires his charges, and the forward believes it was a positive experience for the group.
“It was a great experience for the boys. I don’t think they’ve done anything like that before so it’s good to get into the minds of people and actually see what they’re like, rather than just what’s on the pitch.
“It brought us all together and it was a really good boost for the team this week.
“For me, it’s my family and everyone at home. My sister travels to most games and my mum’s always listening so everyone at home is who I try to do it for.
“To come down here to Exeter, who are a good side at home and a good team in the league, and dominate like that all over the pitch was very good for us.”
The 24-year-old proved to be a thorn in Exeter’s side all afternoon, and he admitted that he enjoyed himself throughout the 90 minutes.
“The tactics that the gaffer set out today worked to get me running in-behind and almost every time we did it we were successful,” he continued. “I’m happy to get the two goals.
“We knew we needed to come down here and win, and today I was trying like I do every game, but I felt really on it and hopefully I can carry that on for the next six games.
“When the two goals went in I thought: ‘I’ve got the better of these’ so I just kept on doing it. I was able to get the two goals and help with the penalty, too.
“That’s my game 100 percent, running in-behind. No defender wants to be running back towards their own goal and that’s what I’m good at.”
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