Pressure on to impress new manager is a good thing, says Stags Benning

Players know their places are under threat with the January transfer window around the corner and Benning, who was awarded man of the match in yesterday’s home 0-0 draw with Colchester United, said: “Everybody knows what passion he brings.

“The players have reacted to it and I think we have reacted well.

Click HERE to read the match report

Click HERE to read Steve Evans’ thoughts on the draw

“The gaffer has everyone on their toes. As good the old gaffer was, since the new one came in, everyone’s on their toes.

“We all have to impress. It’s pressure, but it’s a good pressure and it’s bringing the best out of players.”

On the 0-0 draw against Colchester, he added: “I thought we controlled the game but needed that one bit of luck in front of goal,” said Benning.

“I think if one had got in we’d have got a couple more – but it was just one of those days.

“A clean sheet is always nice, it gives us a platform to build on.

“The table is really tight and we we just need one win and we’ll shoot straight back up.”

“The fans were very good, you could hear them today like the previous two games here, but unfortunately we just couldn’t get the win for them.”