Mansfield Town manager Nigel Clough says his side had to show a ‘different set of qualities’ to grind out a 1-0 win at Barrow.
Jordan Bowery scored a decisive second-half header which saw the Stags make it four away wins in a row in Sky Bet League Two to beat the Bluebirds at Holker Street this afternoon.
After a 2-2 draw at home to Hartlepool eight days ago, Stags returned to winning ways against play-off rivals Barrow, and the manager was pleased with his side’s versatility to earn the victory.
“The last two performances we’ve had at home against Hartlepool and Derby [County] we’ve played some absolutely brilliant football,” said the boss.
“[There was a] Different set of qualities required today and when we got ahead I thought we defended brilliantly.
“[There wasn’t] Much in the game at all. I don’t think we were brilliant for most of the game, certainly in our sort of play.
“It was important o get something from the game today on the back of the disappointment of not beating Hartlepool, so we’re back on track.
“First-half, I don't think they created much and we certainly didn't away from home. You’re never too disappointed to get in at 0-0 at half-time
“We said to the players, it might be one of those sort of days where we don’t play very well. We [managed to] get a goal from a set play and [we] look after it.
“These 1-0 away victories are vital over the course of the season.”
The Stags were once again without several players due to injury and showed great character to earn another good win on the road.
“Let’s face it, we’re not at our best, we’re a little bit down physically [as] we’ve got a few players missing,” said the manager.
“It’s one of those days as a team, you get together and you make sure that you come off the pitch with a result.”
Nigel was asked if the Stags should’ve found the back of the net on more than one occasion today: “Yeah, we should [have added to the tally],” he said.
“Galey [James Gale] went half clear and Quinny [Stephen Quinn] had a couple; he had one at the edge of the box and one at the far post as well.
“[A] Little bit more composure in those areas and we might have got a second [goal].
“No matter what happens, when seven [added] minutes goes up, they’re going to throw the kitchen sink at you.
“You hope [that you can] nick one on the break, but apart from a couple of scares [we were okay].
“Christy [Pym] made one great save, down to the right-hand side with a bobbling shot from the edge of the box but apart from that I thought we saw it out pretty well.”
