Matt Green hails goal hero Ryan Tafazolli as Mansfield Town win at Notts County

Although disappointed not to score, Mansfield Town striker Matt Green was delighted to see Ryan Tafazolli bag his second in as many games as the Stags won 2-0 at Notts County in last night’s superb local derby at Meadow Lane.
Notts County v Mansfield Town
English League Football - Sky Bet League Two
Meadow Lane Stadium, Nottingham, England.
14th August 2015

Mansfield Town's Matt Green tussles with Notts County's Haydn Hollis

Picture by Dan WestwellNotts County v Mansfield Town
English League Football - Sky Bet League Two
Meadow Lane Stadium, Nottingham, England.
14th August 2015

Mansfield Town's Matt Green tussles with Notts County's Haydn Hollis

Picture by Dan Westwell
Notts County v Mansfield Town English League Football - Sky Bet League Two Meadow Lane Stadium, Nottingham, England. 14th August 2015 Mansfield Town's Matt Green tussles with Notts County's Haydn Hollis Picture by Dan Westwell

“He has taken his opportunity and today he was the best defender on the park,” said Green.

“He was absolutely solid. Yet again, what a threat from set pieces.

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“Taff has really played his part tonight. He got booked early in the game and he kept his head which shows he is really growing as a player as well, so it’s great for us.”

On the game, he said: “It was end to end stuff, but I thought we started very well. We had a game plan and we stuck to it, but we it was a derby game so it raises your game a couple of notches.

“We did whatever it took to win the match.

“The fans played a massive part. They’ve turned out in their numbers tonight and were louder than the Notts County fans which was great for us as we knew we’d need their help tonight.

“But also it’s a derby game, it’s a great occasion, it’s not happened for eight years, so we are just happy as a team to get the three points more than anything.

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“It’s a derby game so it’s not a game to be selfish, I came off frustrated I didn’t get a goal myself from a selfish point of view but in general I am very positive. The team will get a lot of confidence from getting three points today and we can kick on.”

He added: “On occasions like this, it’s not about a selfish attitude towards the game. It’s all about the three points tonight.

“This is about bragging rights. I know what it’s like to be on the outside looking in, I’ve done it for the last 18 months. I have respect for everyone that came to the game today. These are the sort of occasions you want to win. It can kick you on as a team.

“It’s a different standard of football now. It’s not as easy as lumping it up there and chasing after it. You’ve got to analyse the game as well as working hard as well.

“Once the team gets more and more confident with more and more points on the table, there’s no doubt I will get my goals and there’s no doubt we’ll keep being a fantastic team to watch.”

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