'Bitterly disappointing': Nigel Clough says Mansfield Town 'didn't deserve' anything from Notts County defeat
Nigel Clough says Mansfield Town’s defeat to Notts County was ‘bitterly disappointing’ as their unbeaten run comes to an end.
Stags saw their solid home record crumble during the Nottinghamshire Derby as the Magpies snatched the bragging rights.
A 2-0 defeat ended Mansfield’s six-game unbeaten League One run as the overall team performance raised a lot of questions.
It was a display littered with ‘a lot of under-par performances’ and some uncharacteristic mistakes from Stags, who will return to the drawing board ahead of Tuesday’s away trip to Wigan.
Nigel Clough praised Notts County’s efforts, particularly their first goal, which saw substitute Callum Roberts curl a superb ball into the net minutes after coming off the bench.
“We didn’t deserve anything. I thought Notts County played extremely well from the first minute to the last and deserved the victory,” Clough told BBC Sport after the match.
“We looked a shadow of what we have been in recent weeks. As always, it’s the manner in which you lose, and to lose the first time since February is bitterly disappointing.”
Mansfield Town were without Liam Thompson and George Abbott on Saturday and they missed both players as weaknesses were exposed in midfield.
Abbott picked up a ‘whack on his hip’ last time out and it is not currently certain if he will be fit to face Wigan. As for Thompson, he is not expected to return any time soon as he works through a ‘significant calf injury’. He is looking at a similar absence period to Lucas Akins, who has no time scale on his return, Clough discussed post-match.
“We couldn’t get the rhythm we’ve shown today in recent times,” the manager continued. “Tried a couple of things but didn’t have too many options today, especially in the midfield area. I think the midfield three gave the ball away more times than they do in six games’ worth today.
“Passing is a strength of all three of them and I don’t think they were very good today.
“Going forward, we had some good moves but we looked quite vulnerable at the back. We don’t give goals away like that, and that probably sums up the day.”