Mansfield manager Nigel Clough is confident his side’s luck will turn after their winless run reached 12 games with a 0-0 draw against managerless Wigan.
The Stags have not won since January 4 in any competition and sit level on 40 points with their opponents, seven clear of the League One relegation zone.
Mansfield had dominated Saturday’s 1-1 draw with struggling Burton and Clough rued the lack of a killer touch as another opportunity to stop the rot passed them by.
“I thought our overall performance was again very good and we were just searching for that elusive goal, which I think is all it would have taken tonight to win us the game,” he said.
“It was quite a one-sided game in many ways with 23 shots to four. We just needed someone to finish and a ball to drop for us in the box.
“I don’t think we have played badly in this run of games without a win.
“And this is a much better feeling than losing 1-0 which we have done too often in the last few weeks.
“That was our first clean sheet since Boxing Day so it was hugely important.
“We have had three draws in the last five but they could easily have been two or three wins.
“It has to turn if we keep our standards up to the last few games.”
Wigan sacked boss Shaun Maloney after Saturday’s defeat to Reading and put coach Glenn Whelan in interim charge.
He said: “It has been a crazy 24 hours. I have a lot of respect for the manager and it’s never nice when someone loses their job. But that is football. Shaun would be proud of the lads tonight as he is a Wigan man at heart.
“But we have to dust ourselves down now and try to get a tune out of the lads.
“A lot of these players are here because of Shaun and I am sure some are upset with what has gone on and think they played some part in it.
“Being brand new to coaching and being thrown into this role is not something I really wanted as I am only here at Wigan because of Shaun, but I am relishing it.
“Coming to Mansfield, who are fighting for their lives, we knew it would be a tough game and a tough crowd.
“So a point away from home and a clean sheet is something to build on over the coming days.
“Mansfield are under the gun a little bit and desperate for a win. So we knew they would come for us for the first 15-20 minutes.
“But we held our own and with a bit more confidence we might have put a bit more pressure on their keeper and their goal.
“It has been a difficult week so I’m really proud of the lads and what they’ve given us tonight.”
Let's start our Daily Laugh today. Maresca - Jack You can't elbow players.Nicolas Jackson - Ok boss LOL Haaland the last time Arsenal won the league.. South America owns football he is here …. How good is Cruzeiro? GOAT RECOGNIZES GOAT! Please stay tuned on Daily Laugh. There will be more fun tomorrow!(Credit: Just toon it, trollfootball, The Football Arena, AZR Organization)...
Emi Martinez 'dreaming' of a move to Man UtdAston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez is reportedly keen on a move to Manchester United this summer amid the Red Devils' uncertainty regarding Andre Onana's future.The Sun has reported that a move to Old Trafford is Martinez's 'dream' and Ruben Amorim is keen on “captains and leaders” in his squad, and is an admirer of the Argentine World ...
GARETH BALE wants to buy hometown club Cardiff.The Wales legend is leading a consortium to take over the League One side.Cardiff is the subject of takeover interest from local lad Gareth BaleBale's group sent a letter of intent to Bluebirds owner Vincent Tan last month, which was rejected.But it is believed the desire to acquire the club, relegated from the Championship, remains strong.The 35-year...
Since Mikel Arteta took the reins at Arsenal, there's been a pattern in his transfer strategy. Initially, France was the go-to source, with Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba being prime examples, but the focus has since shifted. The Gunners have made successful forays into the Brazilian market, enjoyed a high success rate with Spanish recruits, and recently turned their attention to Italy. Howe...
Liverpool have broken their transfer record for the signing of Germany international Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen, the club announced on Friday.ESPN previously reported the deal to be worth a total of £116 million ($156.27 million) -- it includes an initial £100 million payment with £16 million in add-ons.Wirtz has signed a five-year deal with the Premier League champions, a ...
Al-Ittihad rival Monaco for Pogba signatureAS Monaco face competition for Paul Pogba's signature.The free agent is in talks with Monaco about a playing return, having been suspended since last year due to a failed doping test.Released by Juventus earlier this year, Pogba is now free to resume his playing career and talks with Monaco are underway.However, Fichajes.com says Al-Ittihad, from the Saud...
Man Utd plan to loan Rashford to Inter Milan ahead of next season in shock moveManchester United plan to loan out winger Marcus Rashford this summer as the club continues to look for a buyer.As reported by the Manchester Evening Standard, United are preparing for the prospect of loaning out Rashford for the entirety of next season after the winger fell out with manager Ruben Amorim last season. Th...
Napoli coach Conte: I really didn't think we'd sign McTominayNapoli coach Antonio Conte admits he didn't think Scott McTominay could be signed from Manchester United.McTominay joined Napoli in the final days of the summer market and ended the season a Serie A winner and also named Player of the Year in Italy.Conte told Sky Italia: "I knew McTominay very well , he grew up in the Premier League with...
Thibaut Courtois has been a key player for Real Madrid since he joined the club from Chelsea in 2018Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois said he will always be available to help new signings Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dean Huijsen acclimatise to life at the Bernabeu.England defender Alexander-Arnold recently joined the club for 38m from0Liverpool while Spanish international Huijsen signed from ...
Barcelona superkid Yamal: We will definitely win the Champions LeagueBarcelona superkid Lamine Yamal is confident he will eventually win the Champions League.At 17, Yamal has won every trophy available in the domestic game - with a European title, at club level, still to be won.He told Barca Inside: "At 18 I ask for everything I had at 16 and 17, plus the title I am missing (the Champions League) ...
- 1 DONE DEAL: Marseille confirm CJ Egan-Riley signing from Burnley
- 2 Chloe Kelly enjoys sun-kissed holiday as Arsenal star rests before Euro 2025
- 3 Jack Grealish set to leave Man City this summer
- 4 Man Utd have Hugo Ekitike 'advantage'
- 5 Transfer news & rumours LIVE
- 6 Stunning Euro U21 reporter dubbed 'queen of Europe' in bold dress
- 7 Man Utd make decision on replacing Andre Onana with Emi Martinez this summer
- 8 DONE DEAL: Celta Vigo sign permanently Ilaix from RB Leipzig
- 9 Real Madrid eye a trio of targets
- 10 Maddison and Wag announce they're expecting twins AGAIN