Point won not two dropped for boss Nigel Clough as Mansfield Town secure battling draw with Luton Town
Boss Nigel Clough admitted he was content with Mansfield Town’s battling 2-2 draw with play-off chasing Luton Town.
Stags raced into a 2-0 lead inside the first 30 minutes after Jon Russell bagged a brace.
Luton then pegged Stags back with goals from Kasey Palmer and Shayden Morris either side of half-time.
But Clough felt it was definitely a point won rather than two dropped for the hosts.
“It is a good point,” he said. “We are disappointed in a lot of ways being 2-0 up, but it was more about Luton’s quality than us throwing the lead away.
“We got the second one, but against Luton you never really feel comfortable. They are going to create chances when you have Kasey Palmer on the pitch, who is as good as you are going to get at this level.
“A couple of years ago when we were in League Two, they were in the Premier League and they still have a few good players from that era.
“We started the game very well again. We should have scored early on. We had three very good opportunities before we went ahead.
“Luton have had a long week with winning at Wembley and then a midweek game. We talked about getting at them and being on the front foot.
“We wanted to be more expansive and it could have been one of those games that was 7-7. They had some good situations, but we did too. A little bit better play and we win the game.”
Clough was also quick to sign the praises of returning keeper Liam Roberts for a number of key saves to secure the point.
“Liam made two or three brilliant saves as well. He makes a difference,” added Clough, "Defensively, when we look at how good we have been he has been as big a part as anyone.
“Normally you would expect one of those chances to go in, but Liam is there. He is big, he makes himself big in those situations and is tough to get around. We’re delighted to have him back in the team.”
The point officially means Stags are now officially safe from any threat of relegation.
“It is absolutely brilliant to be safe,” added Clough. “There are still four games to go and I said to the players about staying unbeaten for as long as we can.
“Let’s go to Stockport and play like we did today. When you are scrapping for every point it is difficult to be expansive and open up a little bit.”