Mansfield Town manager Nigel Clough says ‘the three points is all that matters’ following this evening’s late 1-0 win away at Rochdale this evening.
Substitute Jordan Bowery bagged an 86th minute winner to stop the Stags' run of two successive losses on the road.
After a tough contest at Crown Oil Arena, the boss was pleased to see his side return to winning ways.
“It was a hard one [victory],” said the gaffer.
“[It was] Unbelievably difficult to get the three points tonight.
“On the back of two defeats [at Tranmere and Port Vale], and this incredible run of five away games on the spin, [we needed the win].
“It’s about time [the away supporters went home having seen a victory].
“We should’ve gone to Tranmere and [got] a point.
“[We should’ve had] Something at Port Vale as well.
“It was back to basics a little bit [tonight] in terms of being solid and making sure we got that clean sheet.
“You’re relying on your strikers to get you a goal.
“The three points is all that matters.”
The Stags ended Rochdale’s run of eleven games unbeaten at Crown Oil Arena this evening.
“Here, especially at home, they’re a very formidable side,” said the manager.
“What were they? Eleven unbeaten here [at home] before tonight?
“We had enough situations in the first-half to get a goal and didn’t.
“I thought a couple of Oatesy’s [Rhys Oates’] shots; if they’re a yard or two either side of the goalkeeper [then] they’re in.
“He’s [Oates] turned provider in the last ten minutes [of the game].
“It’s about time we were 0-0 going into the last ten minutes away from home and not chasing a game or being down.
“If you’re nice and solid and you’ve got that clean sheet intact, you’re always liable to nick a goal.”
Rhys Oates provided Jordan Bowery with the winning goal this evening. The boss praised Bowery’s impact having not started in recent matches.
“He’s [Bowery] been a bit disappointed to be left out [in recent weeks]," the gaffer said.
“He was involved in that excellent run that we had.
“With Jamie Murphy coming in, Oatesy [leading the line] and Hawks [Oli Hawkins] going back up top at times, it means he’s been a sub.
“That [goal] does his chances the world of good for being involved on Saturday.”
Mansfield now face further trips on the road to Oldham on Saturday, followed by Hartlepool next Tuesday evening.
“[We’ll be going] Full throttle [in the next few away matches],” said Nigel.
“I couldn’t care less about the performance or anything [tonight].
“There are 11 games to go now.
“Earlier in the season you look for patterns and performances and all that.
“[At] This time of the season, you win any how any way.
“A clean sheet away, 1-0 and three points - that’s all that matters.”
Watch the boss’ interview in full now by clicking here.
