Paul Cox proud of Mansfield after Chesterfield draw

Mansfield battled bravely against the League Two high-flyers and could have won the game had Ollie Palmer converted a golden chance deep into stoppage time.

Stags who were solid in defence throughout, grew in confidence during the second half and created a number of chances after the switched to 4-4-2.

Sam Clucas was also denied late on as Chesterfield shot-stopper Tommy Lee pulled off two excellent point-blank saves.

Speaking after the game Paul Cox said: “Relegation is still an issue for teams from 11th down and we have to work hard and prepare for each game.

“I want us to fight and battle for our league status and hopefully we will have the players to be successful.

“All we can do is keep on picking up the points. I am a bit disappointed that we did not win because we had some good chances to win in the last 30 minutes.

“We just needed a scrappy goal but I cannot fault the players for their work ethic and desire to win against a team that are equipped to win this league.

“Chesterfield are a team packed with quality players and are a team that we can aspire to.”

Cox was also full of praise for his strike partnership who were a big handful all game and the noisy Mansfield Town fans.

“I thought the front two were magnificent, Matt Rhead is a real unsung hero,”Cox said.

“Ollie Palmer is learning all the time and Matt Rhead takes a battering for us every game, but picks himself up and he is an unsung hero.

“If we can stay up, those two can only get better next year after a season at this level.

“That level of vocal support makes this an intimidating place to come and play and it means so much to our boys. It’s like a drug to them.

“The players responded to the supporters and the supporters responded to the players. We need more days like these when the players work hard and the supporters work hard.

““This is only our first season at this level and it was always going to be a massive learning curve. So I am proud of this club tonight.”