Adam Murray frustrated as Mansfield Town held by Cheltenham Town

The Stags looked to have a scrappy game won with Mitch Rose’s 49th minute finish, but Stags were rocked by an 80th minute 30-yard wonder strike by Daniel O’Shaughnessy.

“It was exactly what we expected – a very scrappy and bitty game. There wasn’t much quality in the game,” said Murray.

“It was very stop-start. The officials stopped it at times when they didn’t need to, and there was no rhythm to the game.

“As staff we were just saying it was the most frustrating game we’ve ever been involved with. I thought we had more than enough in attack to go and win it.

“We knew we’d face direct balls, set pieces and long throws. But the ironic thing is that the lad who takes the long throws, we were worried about his throw, but he’s gone and put one in the top corner with his left foot from 78 yards!

“I think we could have done a lot more about it but it was a great strike and couldn’t have gone in any other place. I think he’s come forward with it too easy but, give him his due, it’s a hell of a strike.

“I think our goal was excellent as well.”

Murray added: “It’s frustrating but I think we’ve moved up a place and we’ve not got beat. Four points out of six – there is loads and loads

more to come from us.

“It does look at times as if we are still finding out feet and rhythm with each other.

“I think we needed to show more composure and put our hold on the game. We tried to play without any real purpose and second half got pinned in a bit with the wind and couldn’t get out.

“When you are playing against a team like that does put you under pressure, you have to defend your box and I felt we did for 99 per

cent of the time.

“We defended their threat very well and it’s a wonder goal that’s cost us three points.

“We knew this would be tough just because of the momentum they’ve got - the way they play. They hunt you down and don’t allow you to settle. And every opportunity it goes into the box.

“Fair play to them. It’s effective and before the game they have a champions’ mindset which you can’t buy.”

Murray was also frustrated by some isolated boos from the stands at the end of what hadn’t been a bad performance from the Stags.

He said: “It’s the second league game of the season so do we want to be at full throttle now? No we don’t. There’s 10 months to go

“Again the final whistle goes and there are probably only one or two but you still hear stupid boos. I’ve been here 28 years now and they’re still doing the same thing – it’s a bit embarrassing.

“To be unbeaten and sitting fifth in the league after two games I am sure there’s a lot of teams in this country that would take out place at the minute.”