Nigel Clough felt the 3-0 defeat to Lincoln City on Tuesday was ‘harsh’ but also that his side are ‘lacking quality in key moments’. Stags fans online also shared their thoughts on yet another home defeat, writes Kyle Fox.
Mansfield’s manager was happy with how his team played for a large portion of the match. In his post-match interview, he said; “I think we played very well for an hour tonight, especially in the first half. The standard of our football, like at Blackpool on Saturday, was very good.”
“A little bit harsh on us, I thought, over the course of the game.” (when asked about his assessment of the game).
Just listened to Cloughs interview on the way home mmmm. Then I listened to @NealBishop12 who was pinpoint. Average 1st half against a poor team, no shots on target, terrible 2nd half..no shots on target.
— Severide999 (@severide999) February 18, 2025
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However, he did express his disappointment in how his side conceded the goals they did. Especially the first and third goal. He said; “The first and third goals were by far the most disappointing. We couldn’t do anything about the second—it was just a fluke, flying in at the far post. The first one, we have to do more to defend the set play.”
“Northampton cost us here at 1-0, and tonight, the all-important first goal was the same. Everybody has jobs to do, and we’re not quite doing them at the moment. The third goal was just ridiculous—the throw-in that Aaron Lewis and Lucas took, and then the break where three or four people could have brought him down.”
“We asked Callum McDonnell on Saturday—he should have brought CJ down for the third goal. I don’t think we’re aggressive, nasty, or clinical enough in those situations.”
“Yeah, free header—Luciano lost his man, and Fraser Blake-Tracy said he got a little blocked off. Still, no excuses. You have a job to do, and you make sure your man doesn’t score.” (When asked about Lincoln’s first goal).
The 3-0 defeat saw Mansfield continue their abysmal run of form over the past nine games (including the home FA cup defeat to Wigan). During that run, their home record has actually been worse than their away record. At home (including that game against Wigan) Mansfield have lost all five they played at home during this run, have only scored one goal whilst conceding nine. The run includes three defeats against relegation threatened sides, (Cambridge, Northampton and Crawley) two of which were at home.
In relation to this game, Clough spoke about their problems in both boxes; “Yeah, we’re just lacking quality in key moments. And losing all the defenders we did tonight didn’t help. It comes back to needing someone like Lee Gregory, who has produced in the first half of the season, to get us or create a goal.” Mansfield were a little short of defensive options before the game but it turned in to a defensive crisis during the game. They started a game with a back three and all three starting CB’s had to be substituted off with injury before the 56th minute. Clough also mentioned Lee Gregory, who’s injury has left a big hole in Mansfield’s side. He bagged ten goals in 20 league one appearances before being forced off with an injury two weeks ago against Northampton.
We’ve got such an injury prone squad 1st goal Free header 😔 2nd Goal Pym’s got to do so much better 😠 3rd Goal nobody putting in tackle We are slow in the Midfield we only react when the team win the first ball Maris was only half decent one Gonna be a thrashing from Hollywood
— Jake (@jlwstag) February 18, 2025
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Clough reflected on the game and was asked if it will affects his side’s confidence. He replied by saying; “Not in terms of performance. For the first half, and maybe for an hour, we played well tonight. Around 65-70 minutes, they weathered the storm and then came back to cause us problems. But we’ll keep playing and going—we just need to be a little more aggressive in certain areas and affect the game more.”
Played 8 got 1 point. And 6 of the teams bottom half. If Clough stays we going down. We losing at home to a average Lincoln team and we fetch a 38 year old on. Enough said.
— John Turton (@JohnTur62325990) February 18, 2025
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I had a stroke watching that. 0 shots on target for the entire game. Honestly it was impressive how bad we have been for the last 8 games. 0 wins in the last 8. 7 games in the league and 1 point gained. Either the players need to change or something managerial wise
— Lich King Gamer (@MichaelSankey14) February 19, 2025
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Not going to mention the 0 shots on target. Also are we going to Ignore the 7 losses in 8 games and the 18 odd goals conceded. Can’t blame injuries forever.
— Kartman (@KartmanJA) February 18, 2025
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Played 8 drawn 1 lost 7 conceded 18 goals. Someone please try and explain to me why he should keep his job
— John Turton (@JohnTur62325990) February 18, 2025
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