Manager Nigel Clough says he is ‘incredibly proud’ of his players after Mansfield’s incredible 19-game unbeaten run came to an end following their narrow 1-0 home defeat to Port Vale in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup.
Stags were edged out by a 50th minute Alfie Devine strike to decide the Carabao Cup fourth round encounter.
Nigel acknowledged the team’s efforts and achievements so far this season, speaking to iFollow Stags after the encounter: “It feels a bit raw at the moment. We haven’t experienced this feeling since the end of last season, losing a game.
“We wanted to break it [the club’s record unbeaten run] and that’s what hurts as much as anything. We couldn’t quite do it but it’s unbelievable to be here on the 31st of October and say that’s the first game we’ve lost this season in all competitions. I’m incredibly proud.
“[We’ll] lick our wounds and put it behind us. That’s the most important thing now, we don’t dwell on it and we get ready for Wrexham on Saturday.”
Despite Mansfield’s achievements, Nigel felt his side could have reached a much higher gear in the first half of the cup clash.
“We didn’t get into our stride at all in the first half,” he said. “I don’t know if it was the occasion. We went too long too early and panicked on the ball.
“You saw the extra bit of quality and composure from League One players as opposed to League Two players. But, it’s a brilliant experience as that’s where we are hoping to play our football.
“I thought we started well in the second half. Their goal came from their first shot in that period, from distance as well. [I was] a bit disappointed by the way it went in but I thought after that, the crowd got behind us and we had a real go at them.”
Nigel highlighted the performance of 22-year-old Lewis Brunt who put in a strong performance at centre-half up against experienced opposition striker Uche Ikpeazu in the match. He was also highly encouraged by the return of Rhys Oates to the side.
“It was brilliant to get him [Oates] back on the pitch and Stephen McLaughlin too,” he said.
“That was the main plus from today, and I thought the form of young Lewis Brunt as well. It was a difficult one with him and Baily [Cargill] again, it always is, but I thought the way he played belied his age and I thought he put in a very mature performance.”
