Christmas delivery! Mansfield Town boss Nigel Clough demands better service for his strikers

Nigel Clough wants his Mansfield Town side to become more of a potent force going forward.

The Stags have netted 12 times in nine matches under their new boss, with last night's 1-0 defeat at Carlisle United only their second blank with Clough in the dug-out.

The Town manager has previously stated he needs his side to turn draws into wins and defeats into draws – and more goals and better deliveries would certainly aid that cause.

“We caused their goalkeeper very few problems tonight. We’re doing well up until about 18 to 20 yards out, and that’s where we have to improve," Clough told iFollow Stags.

“Defensively, we put our heads on everything we could and got some great blocks in. We restricted them, but we have to do better in creating our chances.”

Making better use of set pieces would also aid his side's goalscoring cause, Clough added.

“Anytime we got in and around the penalty area, we seemed to waste our chances, whether it was from open play or set plays," he continued.

“We need whoever is taking the set plays, someone put it in the right area to give us a chance. It must be frustrating for Cooky (Andy Cook), the centre-halves and Jordan (Bowery).

“We don’t get the ball in the right areas and provide opportunities. That’s something they have to work on with their delivery.”

Striker Nicky Maynard missed last night's game due to injury, picking up a dead leg in Saturday's 1-1 draw at Grimsby.

“Hopefully he’ll be okay for Saturday, if not Boxing Day,” Clough added.

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