Adi Yussuf repays faith shown in him with Mansfield Town winner

A proven goalscorer at Conference South level with Oxford City, the Stags’ summer signing has had few opportunities in the first team so far, but yesterday grabbed the headlines.

To read the match report click HERE To read boss Adam Murray’s thoughts click HERE“Obviously the main thing was that we won, but I am glad to get off the mark,” he smiled.

“It was a good team performance and I just want to thank all the boys, all the staff, my mum and dad and everyone. They’ve always had faith in me and I just wanted to pay them back and score.

“The hard work paid off and I have obviously got to kick on from now.”

After he had scored Yussuf raced over to celebrate with his family, and said: “Mum and dad have been to every game since I was 10, so I owe them really.

“They have through thick and thin for me and I just wanted to pay them back. They have been there from day one.”

Yussuf said when his chance came he didn’t think too much about it, just happy to see it hit the net.

“I thought just be positive and score,” he said. “I can get the winner here. I am just glad I scored it and paid back all the people who have shown so much faith in me.

“To play in a game like that and score the winner, it’s a dream come true to be fair.”

Stags trailed 3-1 after squandering an early lead, but Yussuf said the side’s never-say-die attitude always gave them hope.

He said: “Our team spirit has been brilliant. Everyone here are friends, and when you’ve got that there is always a chance.

“We have always got that mentality of never giving up – today we’ve shown it.”

Stags are now in the top six, and he added: “Anything is possible with hard work, so we will see what happens.

“The goal is promotion, but today was just a win and we have to push on. We can’t get too excited.

“We have got to celebrate, obviously, but it’s back to square one on Monday.

“I will celebrate tonight by just spending time with my family and girlfriend and just chill.”

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