Lee Stevenson stakes Stags claims with a hat-trick in Notts County friendly

Assistant boss Adam Murray and striker Jake Speight, both hoping for loan moves in the next week or so, also played and performed well.

“Lee did what he does best,” said manager Paul Cox. “These games make me smile as I know I have a number of players waiting in the wings who are going to be there or thereabouts in my first team at some point.

“It’s a lonely place when you are not in the team and don’t feel part of it. It’s very easy to become something you’re not. But I have a great set of lads hungry to play for this football club.”

Stags’ ladies team cruised to their first win, a 3-0 home victory over Radcliffe Olympic last night with goals from Becky Braithwaite, Hanna Bodle and Charlotte Montgomery.

Stags’ youth team began their North Midland League (U19s) fixtures with a 1-0 win at neighbours Blidworth last night thanks to a Chris Spencer goal.