Stags’ boss Graham Coughlan has called on his players to build momentum from this afternoon’s thrilling 3-2 victory away at Cambridge United.
Mansfield trailed twice in the game, but a hat-trick from Nicky Maynard sentenced the ten-man U’s to defeat to take all three points from a thrilling New Year’s Day encounter.
And, after securing his first win as Stags’ boss, Graham Coughlan says that ‘consistency’ is now key after a fine display at Abbey Stadium.
“It’s a good feeling,” he told iFollow Stags. “It [win] was coming over the last four games and it culminated today. Today we were very good and thoroughly deserved to win.
“Now it’s about consistency. We won today because we were the better team and we have to build on it.
“The honesty, hard work and commitment was there for all to see. I’ve challenged them now to put another win on the table on Saturday against Grimsby.
“It was a very fiery, feisty game today and we got stuck in. I think both sides enjoyed it – it was honest, hard and tough.
“We had words at half-time and we came out on the front foot and got after people. It’s about making these players realise their potential and what they can achieve.
“I’ve said it from the day I came in – crawl, walk, then run. Let’s not get carried away with one win.
“I’ll be looking to build on this and win the next game, the next challenge, the next target and that should come on Saturday.
“We’re looking forward to Thursday and Friday and I can’t wait for a full week on the grass next week.
“Overall I’m really pleased – not with results – but the last four performances have been excellent. The results will follow if we carry on playing like that.
“I just want the lads to be honest, I want them to be hard-working, and it was great to get across and cherish that victory with the fans.
“They’ve had a tough time of it – so have the players – now hopefully we can come together and get the stadium rocking on Saturday.”
Looking back on the game, Graham Coughlan spoke of the fine individual performances from his men, including that of hat-trick hero Maynard (below), who the boss says deserves all of the ‘accolades.’
“Nicky is a class player who has quality at this level. I thought the two lads – Rosey [Danny Rose] and CJ [Hamilton] – around him worked hard and helped him so much.
“What a ball in by Mal [Benning] for the first goal as well. Cooky [Andy Cook] should’ve finished it off at the end and Danny had a chance as well.
“I was really pleased all round to be honest, but as the lads know, I’m a little bit frustrated with the goals that we are conceding. I want us to be tighter at the back.
“But he [Maynard] deserves the accolades because he’s worked really hard in his preparation as well.
“He was patient and he’s got his just rewards today – I’m delighted for him. That dressing room hasn’t had that winning feeling for a while, so hopefully now we can build on it.”
With the January transfer window now open, the manager provided an update on his current stance on the market.
“There will certainly be a little bit of work in the [January] market – one or two will want to move on.
“The conundrum now is do we put something together now and perhaps lose players we have here, or do we stick with what we’ve got?
“There’s a conundrum and lots of things to be dealt with, but I am actively seeking one or two players.
“I know the players I want and I know the type I want, if they’re available, I will get them, if not, we’ll carry on as we are.”
iFollow Stags subscribers can watch Graham Coughlan’s interview in full by logging into mansfieldtown.net/ifollow later today.
