Mansfield Town manager Nigel Clough believes this evening’s 0-0 draw away at Harrogate was a ‘good point’.
Mansfield Town manager Nigel Clough believes this evening’s 0-0 draw away at Harrogate was a ‘good point’.
The stalemate extends the Stags’ unbeaten league run to nine matches.
Speaking to the media, the boss said post match: “[It was a] Good clean sheet [and a] good point but I thought there was enough situations [to win the game].
“All in all, your runs don’t [always mean you’ll] keep winning and winning but it’s important to stay unbeaten [for nine matches].
“[We managed to secure] Another clean sheet, we certainly weren’t at our best and it highlighted our need for bringing in a couple of players [on deadline day] to freshen it up when we’re playing Saturday, Tuesday.
“We got away with a couple [of Harrogate chances] at our end, they had a couple of efforts so it was probably a fair result overall.”
The Stags had chances to win the game in the second-half, with striker Jordan Bowery having the best opportunities.
“When you’re three or four yards out, you have to score,” the boss said.
“You win the game if that goes in, I think.
“Whether you’re a forward or not you just have to score those sorts of chances.
“But, having said that, they could’ve nicked one on the break in the second half as well.”
The manager believes his side grew into the game as they looked to push for a winner in the latter stages.
“I thought we were well off it first-half.
“I thought the back four did well, hence the clean sheet.
“I think it’s the need to change the players in front to get some fresh legs.”
January signing Kieran Wallace impressed as he made his second appearance in a Stags’ shirt this evening.
“Kieran Wallace was very good tonight,” the gaffer said.
“I thought he came on and gave us a little bit of energy.
“Once he gets up to speed, and his knee is a little bit better, then he is one that can come in and give us some fresh legs.
“[Playing] Saturday and then Saturday is not a problem. But, we have to put in so much effort to win a game and the lads are.
“When we’re pressing and doing as well as we are [in the league] then you’re looking for that little bit of something [extra] to give you that 1-0 victory.”
The Stags’ chief spoke of his pleasure at the club’s transfer dealings in the past month.
“[We are] Absolutely delighted [with the January business],” said the manager.
“I think the five signings will give us a little bit more of what we need for the last 19 games.”
The gaffer also provided an update on the loan situation of a couple of the club’s youngsters with the latest additions to the squad.
“We need to get a couple out [on loan].
“Ryan Burke needs to go out on loan, which we’re working on.
“We had an enquiry for Jason Law to go on loan today, with Matty [Longstaff] coming in, that could do him good.”
Watch the manager's interview in full now by clicking here.
