Mansfield Town under-18s coach Mike Whitlow reflected on an 'important day' as his side retained the Matt Salmon Trophy with a 2-1 win over local rivals Notts County this weekend.
Goals from Josh Scott and a late Ryan Ingram winner overturned Corey Bucalossi’s strike, as the Stags retained the Matt Salmon Trophy, in memory of the former physiotherapist who sadly passed away in 2017.
Speaking after the game, Whitlow paid tribute to Matt Salmon.
“He (Matt Salmon) was part and parcel of what we’d set up at Mansfield. Sometimes you don’t realise that getting up in the morning with a smile on your face is a privilege.
“It was an important today, with Matt’s family here and us playing our local rivals. We told them not to leave anything on the football pitch because it means everything.
“It was a tough battle, there was some really good football from both teams. Credit to Notts County, nobody was really on top and it was very even in midfield.
“Both defences did a really good job of dealing with some good crosses into the box and both ‘keepers made good saves.
“The most pleasing thing is that we were creating chances and that the lads once again gave absolutely everything.
“The midfield got on the front foot in the second half and that was key. When you’re losing second balls it can really put you up against it.
“There’s no love lost. We want to win and so do they. It was blood and thunder at times but there was some good football played. He [Matt Salmon] would have been proud.”
Striker Joshua Scott scored and set a goal up and he was pleased with the role he played in helping his team take three points.
He said: “It was a good hard game. I was happy to score and to set one up but it’s all about the team and I’m glad I could help us win.”
