Relief for coach Andy Garner as Mansfield Town finally get their just deserts in fightback win at Barnsley

After six games without a win and with 10 players missing, Stags feared the worst at Oakwell when they were 2-0 down inside 13 minutes.

But a Lewis Reed penalty and goals from Stephen McLaughlin and Aaron Lewis turned the afternoon on its head in spectacular fashion to lift them out the drop zone and Garner said: “That was an absolutely fantastic three points.

“We have deserved more out of the last three games with the performances we have produced.

“The lads have given absolutely everything they've got out there today.”

Reyes Cleary put the Tykes ahead after two minutes and Davis Keillor-Dunn added a second against his former club on 13 minutes.

“The first 15 minutes were a bit of a killer,” admitted Garner.

“We conceded a poor goal by anyone's standards from their first attack.

“It was a disappointing start and you think - here we go.

“It wasn't looking great when we were then 2-0 down after a good finish from Davis Keillor-Dunn. We were not tight enough and he has that quality to put the ball in the net.

“But for once things went our way, though it was a clear penalty at the end of the day. It was handball.

“Reedy fancies them all the time in training and fair play to him. He took it on and we needed to score. It put us in a better position at half-time.

“It looked like we'd get another penalty five minutes later. Macca said he caught him, but we didn't get that one.

“Macca was then brave for the equaliser. He said he did not see much of it. He got a little touch on it and we were back in the game at 2-2.”

Then came the glorious Lewis winner with just seven minutes to go.

“Aaron has had chances the last two games and had another one earlier today and put it over the bar,” said Garner.

“By his standards we have expected more. But for once he has kept it down, hit the target and put it into the back of the net for us.”

Over 2,000 away fans celebrated with the team at the end and Garner added: “It was a fantastic following again for us, especially being Christmas and everything.

“They had every reason to be upset at 2-0 down, so as a team and management staff we are absolutely delighted to give them three points and it was fantastic at the end.”