David Flitcroft proud of Mansfield’s defensive record - 7M sport

David Flitcroft proud of Mansfield’s defensive record



Posted Sunday, December 30, 2018 by PA

David Flitcroft proud of Mansfield’s defensive record

Mansfield boss David Flitcroft took great delight in his side extending their unbeaten run despite being held 0-0 at home by his former club Swindon.

The Stags were not at their best on the day, but have now gone 16 Sky Bet League Two games without defeat.

The run leaves them in the automatic promotion places and with the best defensive record in the division.

Flitcroft said: “One goal would have been enough for either side.

“Once you don’t take those chances it is really important you keep that clean sheet and that has now given us the best defensive record in the league which pleases me as I’d argue with anyone that we are one of the most expansive, attacking teams to watch.

“It was a difficult game with the wind. We did make opportunities but didn’t make the most of them.

“But every credit to Swindon as they put bodies on the line today.

“I don’t think we were quite at it today and I don’t think we moved the ball as fluently as we can. I think the referee played a big part in that.

“It was messy – a lot of free-kicks which almost suits an away team as it spoils the fluidity.”

Mansfield caused most of their own problems with sloppy first-half play that saw Conrad Logan have to save from Keshi Anderson, twice, and Elijah Adebayo.

He also tipped a 30-yard Matt Taylor free kick onto his crossbar.

Matt Preston had a header saved for Mansfield while Tyler Walker twice went close from distance, though Jak McCourt went inches wide in added time as the Stags were caught pushing forward.

Swindon manager Richie Wellens said: “We restricted a team that has only been beaten once to very few opportunities which came from our turnover of possession. We were by far the better team.

“Mansfield have a massive budget in this league, but we were better than them in all departments.

“We have only lost one in seven and if you’d offered me the point today before the game I’d have probably taken it. But the way the game went, it’s frustrating.

“I thought we were outstanding first half and should have been three or four up.

“I can set a team up and we look organised and a good team. We are now difficult to beat, but I am frustrated as we will never see our true potential unless we start taking our chances.”

Wellens also felt home skipper Krystian Pearce should have been dismissed for bringing down Kaiyne Woolery as he burst away from him with 17 minutes left.

“That was a sending-off,” Wellens said. “The referee said it wasn’t as Kaiyne had not got the ball. But Kaiyne was running on to the ball. It was a blatant red card.”

Tag:


Attention: Third parties may advertise their products and/or services on our website.7M does not warrant the accuracy, adequacy or completeness of their contents.
Your dealings with such third parties are solely between you and such third parties and we shall not be liable in any way for any loss or damage of any sort incurred by you.