Mansfield Town manager Nigel Clough says he’s ‘unbelievably disappointed’ following Stags’ first home league defeat since April earlier this year.
Ten-man Mansfield were beaten 5-2 by Swindon as the gaffer’s men moved to ninth in Sky Bet League Two.
The result is only the second home league loss in over a year.
Speaking to iFollow Stags post-match, Nigel said: “[We’re] Unbelievably disappointed.
“To lose our home record in the manner we did today [was frustrating].
“We got ahead twice in the game with two very good goals and then conceded.
“I think two out of the first three [goals] came from throw-ins.
“We’re fed up with banging on about them, the importance of them.
“It’s just poor play.
“I think that, and some strange decisions today mixed in with some ill-discipline and some lack of thought in our play today [led to the defeat].
“The physical effort is always there but it has to be more than that [today].”
Hiram Boateng’s dismissal for a second yellow card on 59 minutes provided an steeper mountain to climb for the Stags in the second-half.
“We even created a few chances with ten men,” the boss said.
“That wasn't an issue.
“When you have ten men against a good footballing side like Swindon it becomes incredibly difficult.
“Not a lot went right for us today.
“I think people describe it as a bad day at the office.
“Well, it was a very bad day for us in every single way.”
The boss was left displeased with his side’s defending during the match, leading to some of Swindon’s goals.
“Throw-ins, two throw-ins [cost us goals].
“You’ve got possession of the ball and you give it away as cheaply as we did.
“I don’t think Hawks [Oli Hawkins] should be having the ball from the first throw after seven minutes on the halfway line [and] then giving it away.
“[It’s] The same with the third goal. It’s our throw-in again.”
Nigel made a midfield change at the break as the booked George Maris made way for Anthony Hartigan.
“George has just played two [full] games [in a week],” the gaffer said.
“[They were] Full games [and he was] carrying a couple of things [injury related].
“Then he got his booking, and the way decisions were going today I don't think we could trust anything.
“One more indiscretion and he would’ve got a red card.
“We saw that with Hiram [Boateng].”
In brighter news, last season’s top scorer Rhys Oates signed a contract extension at the club until June 2024 prior to kick-off.
“[It’s] Brilliant news for everybody,” said Nigel.
“It just reminds us of what we’re missing.
“There were times last season when we weren’t brilliant at times and Rhys pops up with a goal and you win 1-0 or 2-1 [up].
“You miss those sorts of players.
“[It’s] Brilliant news that he's committed his future to us and [we] can’t wait to get him back on the pitch.”
