Mansfield Town boss John Dempster joked the Stags’ 2-1 win over Nottingham Forest’s Under-23s was akin to playing abroad.
Field Mill was bathed in stifling heat on Tuesday night as Dempster’s Yellows came from behind to beat the Reds, who led courtesy of Jason Cummings’ goal 10 minutes in.
An Ethan Stewart own goal just after the half-hour mark followed by a crisp Nicky Maynard finish in the 84th minute was enough to seal the victory, a result which pleased the new Stags boss.
“We’ve played some good opponents so far – I think that (tonight) was the first time I saw players getting after one another when we conceded early,” Dempster told iFollow Mansfield.
“We’ve got some really good senior pros here and I expect them to drive that. I’ll lead and guide them, but it has to come from within.
“The intensity in and out of possession was better tonight. I was really pleased with some of the play.
“I was really chuffed for Nicky Maynard to get his goal because he had a quiet night, he worked his socks off, but that’s what he is capable of – he may have a quiet game but you can guarantee he’ll pop up with a goal.
“We encourage the players to celebrate their success, whether that be in games or training. I think it’s important that the players enjoy what they’re doing.
“There were a few tired bodies because it was almost like playing abroad tonight. Some of the effort that was put in, particularly if you look at the lads sprinting back in the last 10 minutes, I’m really pleased with the effort that was put in.”
