Notts County comments helped lift Mansfield Town to derby glory

He said the win also helped silence the early season doubters after the Stags failed to win their first two games.

He said: “We came here with a game plan, but if I am being totally honest they (Notts) give us half the team talk. They were definitely beating us apparently. We could hear one of their players through the changing room wall. Sometimes this is a funny game.

To read the match report click HERE“Also we wanted to show what a good team we are as we have been written off by a lot of people already. We will now savour the moment and then move on to Tuesday.

“I am over the moon with the players and the supporters. The players gave everything and the supporters gave everything. We have three points and a clean sheet.

“I thought the game was quite evenly balanced at times. They are a very good team and will be up there at the end of the season. They are favourites to go up for a reason and it shows at times.

“We showed a lot of endeavour and focus. It’s been a tough week. I thought we deserved more against Carlisle and, as a manager, I probably made a mistake not having a game before the season as we looked a game off it.”

He added: “But we came here with fresh legs, wanting to put Saturday right and we did that. What better place than in your local rivals’ back garden?

“You always want that first win as it settles everybody down. Sometimes people get sidetracked when you don’t see your efforts rewarded.

“It was a great occasion for our supporters and we have given them the bragging rights for a couple of weeks.”

Chris Clements put Mansfield ahead and Murray said: “He should get more. I encourage my midfielders to get in the box and I have been harping on to them about it.”

The game-clinching goal came near the end from central defender Ryan Tafazolli, his second goal in as many games this week, and Murray smiled: “I think I am going to play him up front – he’s not bad is he?

“During pre-season he wasn’t sure he’d be starting. But he’s got the shirt and if he plays like that he should be at a higher level. His future could be big if he shows that same focus, hunger and does the basics right, his ability will shine through. His performances have been top notch.

“It was a good overall team performance, the work rate, the work ethic, some great periods of possession and our creative play.

“But at the end of the day it’s just three points as you don’t get any more for playing well.”

Murray also had high praise for the 2,767 army of away supporters, saying: “The fans were awesome. To back your team like that tonight, after 10 minutes I wanted to put my boots on and give them something. I wanted to do it for those people.

“I have an affinity with this club. It definitely means something to me. So to give them something, it was a bit emotional for me.”