Match-winner George Lapslie paid tribute to James Gale after the striker scored his first Stags' goal in tonight’s action-packed 3-2 win against Manchester City U21.
Gale netted Mansfield's second of the night, in between strikes from Lucas Akins and Lapslie, who bagged the decisive goal.
The 20-year-old started in an attacking three, flanked by Jordan Bowery and Lucas Akins.
And speaking to iFollow Stags after the match, Lapslie made a point of singling out Gale for praise.
“I thought Galey tonight was unreal and if he keeps playing like that he will play games at this level and even higher,” said Lapslie.
“I am buzzing for him as he works so hard on the training ground.
“It was a good finish and he probably won't sleep tonight.”
For Lapslie’s match-winning strike, he said: “I thought Galey did well to get down there, drove in and committed his man and obviously El has just put it on a plate for me. If I am not there it is my fault. I just tapped it in.
“I thought everyone played well tonight.
“Even if you look at the starting XI there are a lot of players there who will think they should be starting on Saturday.”
Summing the game up, Lapslie said: “It was a great game to watch for the neutral.
“The first half was very good and I thought both teams passed the ball really well.
“We had a good shape about us, creating chances and there could have been a lot more goals in the first half to be fair.
“I thought they were good. Coming on you know they have got the ability to bop it around – that's what are being coached to do similar to their first team.
“Physically I don't think it was too demanding as their ‘keeper and centre halves like to stand on it a bit so you get your breaks.
“But when they move they move quickly and it was quite hard to keep on top of.
“It was a lot different to League Two football which is 100mph the whole game. It was nice to have a little breather every now and again when they sat on it.”
Stags will next return to Sky Bet League Two action away at Doncaster as Mansfield seek a first win on the road.
“We have got to get points on the road now,” said Lapslie. “It's got to be a mentality thing.
“Last time we were at Donny the fans made it a home game for us so that can be the thing to get the monkey off our back for us.
“The fans would love that and we'd love that just as much. Everyone is focused on that.”
