Stags hero Rose delighted after a week to remember

Rose cam on as a substitute to score the all-important goal in the 1-0 derby win at Lincoln City last week and on Saturday was the 87th minute hero as his late strike saw off Cambridge United 2-1 at the One Call Stadium.

Rose followed his Lincoln goal with a brace in the reserves in midweek to persuade boss Steve Evans to give him a starting shirt against Cambridge and Rose repaid his faith.

“I can’t remember a better week for me with two match-winning goals and maximum points from two games – it is a great feeling,” he smiled.

“It’s been a good week for us and we showed great character today. It was a good win and another three points.”

Stags had trailed 1-0 before Jacob Mellis levelled from the spot, then Krystian Pearce set up Rose for a late winner with his headed flick.

“Pearcey did brilliantly to win the flick on and I have just gambled and met it with my left foot on the half volley and luckily it’s gone in the net – it was a great feeling.

“At half-time we knew we hadn’t been good enough but second half we were a little bit better.

“It was disappointing to go behind to a set piece. But we have reacted well and Jacob put his penalty away.

Now Rose is hoping he will keep his shirt with two big games at Cheltenham tomorrow and at home to neighbours Notts County on Saturday.

“It’s a big squad and we are all working hard in training,” he said.

“There are five strikers here now and we are all fighting for two shirts so it was nice to be involved today.”