Manager Nigel Clough praised some of his side’s youthful performers as the Stags notched six goals past Newcastle under-21s in what was a dramatic contest in the Papa John’s Trophy.
A Stags’ side featuring two debutants in Will Forrester and James Gale were 6-3 winners at One Call Stadium this evening.
Speaking to iFollow Stags, Mansfield boss Nigel Clough expressed his pleasure at the attacking display and felt his team could have scored even more.
“It was very enjoyable, whether there’s anything in it or not it was nice to put a good performance in and score some goals," said Clough.
“We could have had double figures tonight.
“The attitude of players not involved in the starting 11 on Saturday and the performance of James Gale was very encouraging.”
Teenager Gale - formerly of Long Eaton United - caught the eye in midfield.
“He’s [Gale] improving each week and each training session.
“He doesn’t look out of place in the first team.
“He made a goal, possibly the most important goal after he made a tackle in the left-wing position so I’m very pleased with him.”
Gale’s assist in the first-half was expertly finished by striker Danny Johnson, ten years Gale’s senior, who finished the evening with an excellent hat-trick.
“I think getting his [Johnson’s] goal against Tranmere a couple of weeks ago was good for him," said the boss.
“We thought [before the game] we’d give him an hour so he stays sharp, [we thought we’d] let him get himself a goal and he’s got three!
“One of the things that pleased me tonight was that after he got his second goal, he got played half clear but played a magnificent reverse pass through to Tyrese Sinclair.
“That shows the quality he has and the unselfishness.”
Youngsters Ryan Stirk and Will Forrester also provided a lasting impression on the manager with positive displays.
“It was great to get Ryan Stirk out on the pitch [after his recent injury].
“Will Forrester as well, it was the first time we’ve seen him [in a Stags’ shirt].
“I think that all three [youngsters, including Gale] did very well tonight.”
Watch the manager's interview in full now on iFollow Stags.