Midfielder Matty Longstaff says he is loving his spell at the Stags after the Newcastle United loanee helped in-form Mansfield to a brilliant 2-0 win at Bradford today.
The 21-year-old signed on loan from St James’ Park on deadline day and netted his first goal in Stags’ colours this afternoon in the 48th minute to seal victory for Nigel Clough’s men.
“I’m absolutely loving it [here]” said Longstaff.
“The manager and his staff have been unbelievable.
“The lads are great to work with every day, they’re top players and I’m loving it.”
Asked whether his effort this afternoon took a deflection, Longstaff said: “I think so, but you’ll take it.”
“I think Oatsey (Rhys Oates) did well to screen the ‘keeper. [It was] a bit of a scruffy one but you take them.
“It was [a] great feeling [but] the most important thing is [the] three points though obviously.
“Our goal is promotion, so we know that we’ve got to win games. We probably should’ve won last week [so] it was a big thing to come here in front of a big crowd and win.”
The youngster admitted that the 2,129 travelling Stags’ fans were crucial in helping the team over the line to victory.
“We knew their fans were going to be ready, but to be honest I thought ours were terrific,” he said.
“They were loud, and you could hear them for the whole game. They were definitely the twelfth man for us.
“They were unbelievable. When we started to tire, they were there and they were loud and proud, it definitely gives the players a big boost.”
Longstaff hopes Mansfield can continue their good feeling into a blockbuster clash with promotion rivals Exeter City at One Call Stadium on Friday evening.
The Stags’ number 44 says the team’s important result against Bradford gives them momentum.
“It’s massive,” he said. “I think to show a reaction [today] and come here in front of a big crowd and get three points, not just for the team but for the fans as well, can give us momentum going into next Friday.”
Watch the midfielder's interview in full now by clicking here.
