Stags have just won three successive times at home, but it took a late clinching fourth goal to end the fightback of Kidderminster Harriers and then a stoppage time winner beat Northwich last weekend, both times after the visitors had threatened to overturn what seemed to be a winning lead for Mansfield.

"From the fans' point of view it is exciting but for a manager it's heart attack stuff," he said.

"We have to kill teams off and not give them any lift by amateur defending. We can't keep throwing two goal leads away against a team that at certain stages of a game look dead and buried.

"We have to take our chances to blow them out of sight.

"But you can't be too critical as these players have done great in our situation. We just know there is room for improvement week in week out.
"If we had defended properly this season we would be top of the league now as daft as it sounds."

Ahead of Tuesday's televised return to his former club York City, this Saturday will see McEwan's fourth home game out of the first six BSP fixtures.

"It's just the way the fixtures have worked out and we have to take advantage of it as we know there are a lot of tough games ahead both home and away," he said.

"We want another three points but it won't be easy. Grays will be a tough side with some decent players – I know many of them from past experience. We are aware of them and won't underestimate them."

Jason Lee and Michael Blackwood continue to receive treatment for ankle and calf injuries respectively and no decision will be taken until the last minute on their participation on Saturday."