Stags boss Paul Cox hails his derby day heroes after historic win at Chesterfield.

“Every player that entered that field for us gave their heart for our supporters today. It was a magnificent defensive display,” he said.

“I thought we came up against probably the best team I’ve seen at this level of football.

“Paul (Cook) has put a team together that are going to take some stopping this year. Credit to them – it was a pulsating local derby.

“But my boys don’t know when to lie down and surpassed everything that was expected of them.

“Near the end we could have had two or three more and we also had two stonewall penalties turned down.

“Heart, desire, application, all I expect of the lads we got it today.

“I am so proud of them, the supporters and the club tonight. It meant so much to the club.

“I think the occasion got to us a little as we can play better with the ball.

“But they all deserve a pat on the back and I have given them Monday off as they deserve a couple of days rest.”

The only goal of the game was bagged on 37 minutes by Calvin Andrew, picking the perfect time to get off the mark for the club.

Cox said: “Calvin works extremely hard for the club and he started to understand what is expected of him now and he will grow and grow.

“That was a proper team performance.

“And the supporters were magnificent. They knew we were hanging on at the end.

“You always wonder where referees get all that tome from. Players sometimes look across to you to see if you are panicking. But you just have to get through it. The lads threw their bodies on the line. The football club and the whole town should have a few beers tonight.”