Nigel Clough admitted Mansfield’s 2-1 Sky Bet League One victory at Wigan was ‘tough’ against a ‘far superior side to us’.
Wigan dominated in most areas at the Brick Community Stadium, creating far more chances, but the Stags recorded a huge away win to cement fourth spot in the table.
Will Evans put Mansfield ahead on the half-hour with a brilliant strike from 25 yards after a mistake from Wigan midfielder Baba Adeeko.
And although Thelo Aasgaard levelled the scores eight minutes after the restart, Keanu Baccus scored what proved to be the winner nine minutes later.
“It was a tough, tough night,” acknowledged Clough. “Football-wise, Wigan were a far superior side to us, apart from the quality of the goals we scored.
“And the work rate and the endeavour and the desire we showed, after losing (to Stevenage) on Saturday, has got us the three points.
“Some of the lads were dead on their feet at the end, but they managed to do what we asked of them.
“We needed fresh legs tonight, that’s why I made so many changes from Saturday, and we actually picked this team last Friday.
“We knew it was going to be a big pitch, against a good side, and we knew the players we needed for this game.
“When you’re facing a team as good on the ball as Wigan, when you do get an opportunity you have to take it.
“We nicked a couple of goals, we gave the ball away too much, but we’re delighted to come away with all three points.”
For Wigan boss Shaun Maloney, it was a real game of two halves, with the four changes he made at the interval seeing a much better effort after the break.
“I was really unhappy with the first half, but in the second half it was probably the opposite,” he said.
“The first 10 minutes were fine, and I was really angry for the rest of the first half for a lack of aggression, lack of intent to push forward in the game.
“I wanted us to be aggressive when Mansfield had the ball, and we weren’t…it was the opposite when they had it.
“We almost let them grow into the game, and it was two bad goals conceded from our point of view.
“I thought we played well in the second half but within that, I still think there’s certain areas where we have to get more people into – in the box basically.
“When we have our wingers and our ’10s’ in possession, we have to fill those positions and that was the only problem in the second half.
“We’re still in the habit of wanting the ball to feet, but I can’t ask any more of the players on the field in the second half and we’re just disappointed to concede from a set-play.
“That’s why I was so angry at half-time, and after the game, because we kind of just drifted in that first half. The word passive – with and without the ball – probably sums up that first half.”
Let's start our Daily Laugh today. EPL Week 22 Ronaldo on this day Chelsea eyeing possible Garnacho move IT'S ALWAYS HIM! Which club should El Capitano - @sergioramos JOIN? It was special 2'—Benfica 1-0 Barcelona 13'—Benfica 1-1 Barcelona 22'—Benfica 2-1 Barcelona 30'—Benfica 3-1 Barcelona 64'—Benfica 3-2 Barcelona 68'—Benfica 4-2 Barcelona 78'—Benfica...
Manchester United have been linked with a surprise move for Jack Grealish.Jack Grealish has been linked with a surprise move to Manchester UnitedManchester United are reportedly weighing up a surprise move for Jack Grealish, who faces an uncertain future at Manchester City.The former Aston Villa forward has struggled for game time over the last few months and has only scored one goal for City in h...
KYLE WALKER is to join AC Milan after agreeing a 12-month loan deal, SunSport can reveal.The Manchester City skipper, 34, is expected in Italy in the coming days before being unveiled to the Rossoneri.Kyle Walker has agreed a move to AC MilanHe was poised to join their fierce city rivals, Inter, after telling City of his desire to quit the Etihad but talks broke down over his wages.AC Milan have n...
Lecce's president revealed he met with Manchester United representatives regarding Patrick Dorgu but warned to keep their hands off the player.Man Utd officials met with Lecce for Dorgu Serie A side reportedly want €40m Club president insists player is not for saleWHAT HAPPENED?United are actively exploring options to strengthen their left wing-back position, a role head coach Ruben Amorim s...
Barcelona eye Musiala as summer targetBarcelona have reportedly identified Bayern Munich midfielder Jamal Musiala as a priority for their upcoming transfer plans, according to Sport. Musiala’s current deal with Bayern Munich runs until 2026, but reports suggest that the Bundesliga champions are already in negotiations for a contract extension. Whether Barcelona can tempt him away from the Al...
Let's start our Daily Laugh today. Chelsea 's back !!Chelsea 3-1 Wolves Arsenal watching Premier League teams copy their corner kick style. Respect for Antony THAT FINAL WAS SPECIAL! STREETS WON'T FORGET! Lamine Yamal is so young that he will be just 23 years old at the 2030 FIFA World Cup!Most of us will retire from our professions before Lamine Yamal retires from football. The GOAT Vs Sir Bobb...
Manchester United are still waiting for the sale which could act as the trigger point for a frenzy of January transfer activity at Old Trafford. And they could soon get it, with Antony, Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho among those heavily linked elsewhere.Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has admitted his side will take action in the market if the right opportunity presents itself, while Tottenham m...
Ferran Torres has pledged his commitment to Barcelona.The attacker is being linked with AC Milan this week.But ahead of their Champions League clash with Benfica, Torres said: "I could say that I have learned a lot, with ups and downs. I have had some great moments and some not so great ones."It's been a very nice time and I have a lot of confidence in the club. The future? It will be here, playin...
Fabrizio Romano has provided CaughtOffside with an exclusive video update on the Alejandro Garnacho to Chelsea story that has emerged today.In a new post for the Daily Briefing, Romano confirmed the stories about Chelsea’s interest in the Manchester United winger, whilst also reporting on Napoli being keen.Although Garnacho has mostly been an important player for Man Utd in the last couple o...
Manchester City have completed the signing of Lens defender Abdukodir Khusanov.City have agreed a deal worth €40 million ($41.6m) plus add-ons for the 20-year-old, who has signed a four-and-a-half year deal at the Etihad Stadium.Khusanov, who has been handed the No. 45 shirt, is set to become the first Uzbeki to play in the Premier League."I'm absolutely delighted to be joining Manchester Ci...
- 1 Benjamin Sesko has already said yes to Arsenal
- 2 Joao Felix eyed by ‘very interested club’
- 3 Liverpool flop and ex-Page 3 girl were 'freaked out'
- 4 Shaun Murphy copies Lionel Messi as he sleeps with Masters trophy
- 5 Liverpool leading race to sign Kerkez
- 6 Teen arrested after shock abuse against Kai Havertz's wife Sophia
- 7 Daily Laugh - Chelsea 's back !!
- 8 Man Utd 'consider Jack Grealish transfer'
- 9 Mourinho makes drastic career change and launches 'The Special One' wine
- 10 Ex-Bundesliga star's WAG has intimate tattoo of footballer husband