New boy Rhys Oates is desperate to score first Mansfield Town goal
Oates, who signed for Stags from Hartlepool United, has played two games as a striker and three just behind the forwards at the tip of a diamond.
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Hide Ad“Personally I think I have done quite well though there are areas I need to improve on,” he said.
“There have been five or 10 minutes in each game in which I have been sloppy and lost possession too easily.
“But I think the more I play the better I'll get at that and be more consistent.”
But it's a goal that has eluded him so far.
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Hide Ad“That's the thing for me,” he said. “I have said to family after games when I get home I think I have played all right, though I could do better with certain aspects.
“But, personally, I just want to get off the mark now with a goal. I got an assist for the second goal at the weekend, but I want a goal.
“It's the first time I have played just behind the striker so I am still working on that positions where to be. I don't mind playing either position. The gaffer has started me all five games so he has put faith in me.”
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Hide AdOates is impressed with the quality of the squad he has joined.
“We have got a strong squad all round the pitch,” he said.
“We can improve in all aspects - you always can no matter how well you're doing. But it's looking positive for the season.
“As a team I think we have started well. We were unlucky to lose on Saturday and I think a point would have been a fair result. We just have to be clinical in front of goal and try to stop conceding as many.
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Hide Ad“As a team we always look to get forward, it's all about being positive and keeping the ball well.”
Stags sit fourth and head for a Swindon side who are in third, also with seven points.
“The first five league games have been against sides expected to be up and around the play-off area come the end of the season,” he said.
“It's been a tough start but I am confident we can go there and get a win.
“We should have more points, but seven points and fourth is a good start and we can go on from there.”