Defender Riley Harbottle says Stags’ dressing room was elated at full-time after Lucas Akins bagged a late winner at home to Colchester United.
Mansfield secured a 2-1 victory thanks to a first-half strike from Will Swan and a decisive finish from Akins in second-half stoppage time.
That victory moves the Stags back into the play-off spots.
And speaking to iFollow Stags following today’s victory, Riley said: “It's a very happy [dressing room]. I think with previous results not going our way. I think that was a bit of relief [at full-time] and we’re all buzzing.
“I thought it was a tough game. I thought we defended well
“We dominated possession and they were a hard team to break down.
“They made the game hard for us but with the quality we have at the top end of the pitch, it was just about making sure we were strong and believed that we were going to get the three points in the end.
“We’ve got quality up there with Swanny [Will Swan] and Lucas [Akins and] Oatesy [Rhys Oates] back tonight. All of the lads, Laps [George Lapslie] in the pocket.”
Speaking on the two goals, the Nottingham Forest loanee said: “[It was] two crosses. We’ve been working on it a lot [in] the last few weeks, working on making sure we’re organised at the back but [making sure] we’re getting balls into the box and finishing it.”
Will Swan scored Stags’ equalising goal on 34 minutes, cancelling out Colchester’s lead after 10 minutes.
“I’m buzzing for him, that’s what he does,” said Riley, speaking about Swan.
“I’ve played with him since I was 10 years-old so I know he can do that.
“He’s not the biggest lad but his leap is ‘frightening’ and I’m buzzing, buzzing for him and the whole team. It’s a good game and a good three points.”
And saving the last word for match-winner Lucas Akins, he said: “Lucas is a vital part of this team.
“We’ve had tough parts of the season and Lucas has been there to pick players up. He definitely helped me when I had a tough patch. He’s a nice person but on the pitch he’s ‘different gravy’.”
