Mansfield Town goalkeeper Scott Flinders says Stags ‘played some brilliant football’ as they defeated Derby 6-5 on penalties at One Call Stadium in the Papa Johns Trophy.
Stags won the shootout in sudden death following a 1-1 scoreline after 90 minutes of play.
In normal time, Nigel Clough’s men created a hatful of chances in an end-to-end encounter in north Nottinghamshire.
Speaking post-match, Flinders said: “[It’s] always good to play under the lights; a local derby, great atmosphere.
“[We] played some brilliant football so yeah [it was a] really pleasing game.
“I thought we were excellent. [The] gaffer [Nigel Clough] said at half-time, [there's been] some really good football played. We needed to carry that into the second-half.
“I thought it was brilliant from start to finish. Some of the patterns of play were outstanding.”
On 79 minutes Flinders denied Derby County’s Bartosz Cybulski with a superb save.
“Yeah that's what we’re there for, big saves at big times but like I say the lads defended really well. We should've probably scored a few more goals as well.”
After a 1-1 score after 90 minutes the game went to penalties and Scott praised fellow goalkeeper Christy Pym for his advice in the build-up to tonight's fixture.
“It was Pymy [Christy Pym] that got in my head yesterday in regards to just sticking to diving to my left. So with the first one falling to my left I thank him for that. It’s always nice to make penalty saves and hopefully it gets us through to the next round.”
The 36-year-old joined the club from Cheltenham in the summer and when asked how he’s finding his time at the club so far he said: “Yeah [it’s been] brilliant. I think it was probably the best thing going to Scotland [in pre-season] and getting to know the lads. [It’s a] great group to come into.
“You could see the atmosphere they’ve got between themselves built from last year. Hopefully we go one step further this year and get promoted.”
Speaking about the goalkeepers’ union involving him, Pym and Owen Mason, he said: “I think you need that healthy competition. The standard in training is incredible.
“Christy shouldn't be playing League Two football, not in a million years so it’s a privilege to have his services at Mansfield.
“I’ve been lucky throughout my career, I’ve always been number one. [I’ve] racked up loads of games so I know where I am now in the pecking order.
“I knew what I was coming in for at the start of the season and it’s about giving my experience to the lads playing or Owen [Mason] and the scholars as well, [and] along with Adam [Collin, academy goalkeeping coach] helping the youngsters as well.”