Mansfield assistant boss delighted as Stags put Cobblers to the sword

Stags had been playing well and creating a wealth of chances, but often failing to get the results.

But, after a week of hard work on finishing and attacking play, it all came good today as they took apart an experienced Cobblers team with plenty to spare.

“That was fantastic,” said Futcher. “The performances have been there but we’ve just not finished teams off at times.

“So to play Northampton, who on paper are a very strong side, and get four goals and be as dominant as that – it could have been more – it’s been a great day.

“All the lads have been aware of us not finishing teams off and we’ve worked on it in training.

“We have kept believing in what we do and kept creating chances – today we’ve taken them.”

He added: “The lads are in a good place tonight. They know by getting that second and then third goals they made life easy in the last 15 minutes.

“We said at half-time the next goal was big and we urged them forward. We just went out there with no fear and kept going.

“It was always going to be a tricky game as Northampton were never going to come here and lie down. They have some very experienced players who have played in a higher league.”

A brilliant pitch-length break and finish by League debut-making loanee Timi Elsnik set Stags on the path to glory after only five minutes.

Futcher said: “It was a good finish. Timi has that in him.

“He is a very talented young player who we’ve worked with before.

“He is only going to get fitter and stronger the more he plays and he is going to be a good asset to us.”

But man of the match went to Danny Rose with two goals and two assists.

“We were delighted with Danny today. He was excellent throughout the game and to get the goals was just desserts,” smiled Futcher.

The only down side of the day was the news that midfielder Alex MacDonald will miss the next six weeks after a knee operation.

“Macca had a scan in the week. He felt it after the Cambridge game – his knee had swollen up,” said Futcher.

“We had bad news on it as it needs a small operation, but it needs to be done.

“We have to look after him as best we can. He has the operation on Tuesday and will be back as soon as he can.”