'We've done our job this week': Nigel Clough praises 'incredible return' as Mansfield Town shine in back-to-back away wins

A wet and windy afternoon at Bloomfield Road saw Stags rise to ninth in the League One table. Nigel Clough praised his team’s efforts and shared his appreciation for the travelling fans who braved the elements to make the trip.

Michael Smith scored his fifth goal in as many games to open the scoring but Blackpool did not take it lying down as they fought back for an equaliser. Dion Charles responded just before half-time and Liam Roberts was called into action to produce some crucial saves, which Clough says the team are ‘indebted’ to him for.

Smith failed to convert a penalty in the first half to bag his brace but Stags came out swinging after the break. Substitutes Rhys Oates and Tyler Roberts hit the back of the net, sandwiching a Blackpool own goal to see out the win.

Tangerines manager Ian Evatt said his side went from playing well in the first half to looking ‘devoid of ideas and confidence’ in the second. Clough also mentioned the tough nature of the first 45 minutes as he reflected on another big away performance for Mansfield Town.

“I didn’t see it coming after the first 15 or 20 minutes of the game, even when we took the lead, I didn’t think we were playing very well,” the manager told club media. “I thought Blackpool were very good in the first half and caused us lots of problems. We are indebted to Liam Roberts for some hugely important saves.

“We’re not getting carried away looking at 4-1 and thinking it was easy for all of the game, it certainly wasn’t and he made some great saves for us at important times.”

Clough also praised Oates, who bagged himself a goal and an assist, and said it was ‘brilliant’ to see the striker back on the scoresheet. Oates had not scored prior to Saturday since the opening match against Doncaster Rovers.

“He’s been down a little bit on himself, which he shouldn’t be, because we know what he brings to us,” Clough said. He also hailed Tyler Roberts for his ‘outstanding finish’ late on in the match. Roberts’ goal was his first of the season, having had limited minutes on the pitch due to injury.

Saturday’s win extends Mansfield Town’s unbeaten run to six games and takes them to 18 points in the League One table, just two points behind sixth-placed Cambridge United.

“We’ve done our job this week. Seven goals and six points on the road is an incredible return,” Clough said. “For every single supporter who travelled up in this today, we appreciate every single one of you and that was as much for you as anything today.”

The manager and players led emphatic celebrations at full-time and supporters enjoyed the match-winning atmosphere before heading back home.

“I thought it was absolutely brilliant by the players today. And it’s not over the top, it’s a reflection on what we’ve done in the last week or two,” the manager said of the moment shared with the supporters.