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Archived News from October 2016

MURRAY, GREEN, HENDERSON, JOHN SHERIDAN REACTION
12th October 2016 20:10


Gaffer commends side's performance in derby win
mansfieldtown.net, 8th October 2016

Stags’ boss Adam Murray has heaped praise on his side following the magnificent 3-1 victory over local rivals Notts County at One Call Stadium this afternoon.

Strikers Matt Green and Darius Henderson proved to be the difference against the Magpies as they both came off the bench to score vital goals for the Stags.

It took Green just 22 seconds to get on the scoresheet as his deflected effort beat Adam Collin in the County goal to give Stags the lead, before midfielder Alex Rodman equalised for the visitors with eight minutes to go.

Green then put Stags back in front seconds in to injury time with an emphatic penalty, before Henderson got his first goal for the club with a left-footed finish in the 93rd-minute.

And manager Murray was delighted with his players’ performance in the local derby, citing their eagerness to play ‘on the front foot’ as a particular positive.

“I think, again, the performance level was really high and we took our chances. Like we said on Tuesday night, there’s no difference to anything we’ve been doing,” Murray said.

Read more at http://www.mansfieldtown.net/news/article/2016-17/gaffer-commends-sides-performance-in-derby-win-3353239.aspx#36eS0dQl1OWzwdmW.99

“We’re probably playing with a little bit more intensity now, we’re probably getting people around the frontman a little bit quicker a little bit earlier and I think the hold-up play of your people like Pat Hoban and Darius Henderson, they’re allowing people to get the benefits from that.

“I felt [in the] second half, we put them under a little bit more pressure, we played on the front foot, the front boys were very good; they allowed us to get it in to them.”

Speaking post-match, the 35-year-old said Matt Green’s performance was ‘fantastic’ against the Magpies and also expressed his pleasure at a number of other performers.

“I thought Scott Shearer did really well, even though he didn’t have a lot of saves to make, we were very aware of his starting position because we knew that Forte was quick and he was excellent in that.

“Jamie McGuire, Chris Clements, I think the cheekiness of Clem’s ball at the end through to Hendo (Darius Henderson), it sums him up but it’s a little bit of quality that he holds.

“Obviously when they scored, you need to go and get another goal so we tweaked it again and fair play to Hendo, he just said to me out there: ‘I felt like I was going to cry when it hit the back of the net’ because he’s worked his socks off to get in to the position and the shape he’s in.”

Following a period of games where Stags haven't found the the back of the net as regularly as they'd have liked, Murray believes things are starting to turn in his side’s favour after this afternoon’s match extended their unbeaten run to four games in all competitions.

“People don’t believe me and they haven’t believed me but we’ve been in a good place for a long time, we’ve just needed that bit of rub of the green, we’ve needed that little bit of quality and we need to take our chances and when that happened we were always going to put in performances and get results like that.

“We’re taking every game as it comes now and we’re playing in our way, we’ve got our 'mojo', we’re playing on the front foot and when we play like that we’ll cause anybody in the league problems.”

Supporters can now view Adam Murray’s post-match interview on Stags PlayerHD.

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Murray praise for super sub Green after derby win
chad.co.uk, by JOHN LOMAS

Adam Murray tonight heaped praise on star striker Matt Green, whose brace of goals after coming on as substitute today turned the home local derby against Notts County in Mansfield Town’s favour. Murray has been criticised by some fans for leaving Green on the bench for the past four games.

But Green netted a winner three minutes after coming on as sub in midweek, and today he netted within seconds of coming on with his very first touch to open the scoring.

Green then showed ice coolness to bag a 91st minute penalty before Darius Henderson sealed the win three minutes later.

“It’s what I expect of Matt Green,” said Murray. “I know when he needs a kick up the backside and he will be the first to admit that for a run of games he wasn’t good enough to be in the team.

“So he’s been out, Pat Hoban’s come in and been fantastic. But Greeny’s attitude has been superb and he has that hunger in his eyes at the minute.

Read more at: http://www.chad.co.uk/sport/football/mansfield-town/murray-praise-for-super-sub-green-after-derby-win-1-8170986?

“I am over the moon for him and proud of what he does.

“With all due respect to everybody I know Matt Green better than anyone in the stands, anyone in the directors’ box, anybody in that dressing room. I have been his best mate for the last 13 years, so I know how he ticks. I know how he works.

“His attitude has been brilliant since he’s not been in the team and he’s just got to carry that on. He was fantastic again today.”

Murray continued: “It’s nice to have three out of three derbies under my belt.

“I said after my first season as a manager last season, every moment this year I was going to embrace and feel it. And that’s what I am doing.

“It’s moments like today that you want to enjoy and be part of.

“It was always going to be a war. There wasn’t much football played. There wasn’t much quality on show.

“The first half was awful, very cagey, very anxious. That’s what these occasions are about. If your players are not focused on the nitty grity side of it, you get your backside felt.”

Stags might have had a penalty seconds before the one that was given as Henderson went down in the box and Murray said:

“If there was such thing as one trillion per cent, it was one trillion per cent.

“It was a blatant penalty, so we were obviously relieved to get the second one.

“I thought second half we put them under a little bit more pressure, we played on the front foot and the forward boys were very good.

“It was another solid performance from Pat and when we have that platform to build on it gives the rest of the team chance to get up the pitch.

“I think the tweak in formation helped us at half-time and gave us a bit more balance. We managed to get it wide and feed the front lads.

“Give them credit they put us under some pressure for periods of the game. We had to defend like men.”

On Henderson bagging his first goal for the club, he added: “Fair play to Hendo. He said to me he felt like he was going to cry when it hit the back of the net. He had worked his socks off to get into position.

“The shape he is in, when he took his top off, everyone was ‘wow, what a human being that is.' He is a man mountain, not just physically.

“Mentally he is such a great guy and great to have in the changing room.

“We knew it was going to be a tough game. We always knew at some stage we might have to tweak our shape. We changed things and put them on the back foot.

“I sensed before the game we might have to do something a little bit different today, as soon as I felt we had that edge in the second half it was time to go for the jugular and fair play to the subs they did just that.”

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Match-winner pleased to contribute to team's success
mansfieldtown.net, 8th October 2016
by Tathagata Mukherjee

Stags’ striker Matt Green was delighted to make an impact after coming off the bench to score a brace in today’s 3-1 win against Notts County.

After his match-winner against Port Vale last time out, he again came off the bench to make the difference as his brace contributed to a thrilling derby day win, which was rounded off by Darius Henderson’s late goal.

Green was introduced into the action on 54 minutes to replace Danny Rose, and he scored from his very first touch. His second came in the final minutes of the second-half, when he drilled home from a spot-kick.

The attacker has now scored six goals in 14 appearances in all competitions this term, and following the game he stressed the importance of capitalising on their opponents’ errors late in the game.

“It was a typical derby game. It was quite flat at times and the tempo changed from one minute to the next,” said the former Birmingham City man.

Read more at http://www.mansfieldtown.net/news/article/2016-17/match-winner-pleased-to-contribute-to-teams-success-3353327.aspx#ACkhuxMBW1wC0uEj.99

“[It was] very scrappy and the chances [weren’t] clear-cut. In the latter part of the game, there were tired legs and mistakes get made, and we were able to capitalise on them.

“The manager’s decided to start me on the bench and come on and have an impact. We’ve got a good squad and it’s important to come on and make an impact when you get [introduced]. I am glad that we got the result.

“I knew there were going to be chances there; the front two of Rosie (Danny Rose) and Pat Hoban wore them down for the majority of the game. I just had to make sure that I was sharp and the gaffer’s just said to me: ‘come on and take your chances’, and today I have done that for him.”

Reflecting on the atmosphere inside One Call Stadium, the 29-year-old praised the home fans’ support and highlighted the importance of supporters and players working together.

“It was so electric. We need the fans to support us, and when they are like this, when they are singing and are getting the drama out of this, it is just so much about an environment to play in.

“The home fans got to believe in us and support us as well. We've got to out there and do the business for them, and they have got to support us come rain or shine. If we can come together like that, then it is going to be a recipe which is going to be successful.”

Supporters can view Matt Green’s post-match interview on Stags PlayerHD.

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Stags hero Green has no complaints about being dropped
chad.co.uk, by JOHN LOMAS

Matt Green agreed that being dropped to the bench for the last four games had sparked him back into life and had no complaints over boss Adam Murray’s decision.

Green was the hero of Mansfield Town’s 3-1 League Two home derby win over Notts County yesterday.

For the second time in a week he came off the bench to be a matchwinner, this time scoring within seconds with his first touch and then tucked away an ice cool stoppage time penalty to win it.

“It was no surprise to be on the bench again,” he said. “The manager knows how to get the best out of me.

Read more at: http://www.chad.co.uk/sport/football/mansfield-town/stags-hero-green-has-no-complaints-about-being-dropped-1-8171060?

“There had been a lot of controversy the last few weeks before that, so he took me out of it. We have a good enough team as we have seen today.

“We have strength in depth. He is the boss. He is a talented young manager and if he is making me come on and score two goals he is doing something right.

“You never don’t want to play. I never want to be taken out of teams. “But that is a decision the gaffer made and his experience has paid off.

“He made the decision and I got behind the group as did (Darius) Henderson, CJ (Hamilton) and all the other lads on the bench.

“That’s what they are like when I am playing. We support each other no matter what.”

Green’s drop-off in form came during a spell of rumours during the transfer window that he was to be sold. He agreed the talk and bids from other clubs did have an affect.

“I am no different to any other person,” he said. “I have family and my football is what I do for a living.

“So you want to make sure you make the right decisions and stay on the right path.

“I was never going to leave to go to Leyton Orient, I wouldn’t go to another League Two club.

“There were other clubs involved but it’s been put to bed now.

“The chairman has looked after me and the club have shown their support. The gaffer has shown terrific belief in me and the team’s got behind me, so it’s done.

“There was mention of a new contract and I think is in the process of happening. All I’ve got to do is keep scoring goals on the football pitch.

“The best players in the world miss chances and sometimes go games without scoring goals, so it’s just about patience and working hard.

“That’s all I’ve been doing behind the scenes and I will continue to do that no matter what. Green came onto the pitch to a huge cheer yesterday and immediately produced the goods.

“The manager just said if you get any sniffs round the box or any chances, take them,” said Green.

“The front two were outstanding and wore the defence down. “So I was expecting chances when I came on and I am just glad I took them. It was an epic win.”

The pressure on Green was immense when he stepped up to take the penalty in stoppage time with the derby poised at 1-1.

But he said: “I have quite a cool head on me most of the time.

“I knew there was a lot of pressure on it, but I will still frustrated after missing one earlier on in the season. So I knew I had to take this chance.

“I just stepped onto it confidently and strike it with a meaning - and that was to get the win.”

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Henderson praises team spirit in derby win
mansfieldtown.net, 8th October 2016
by Tathagata Mukherjee

Veteran Stags’ frontman Darius Henderson was pleased to see his hard work start to pay off after scoring his first goal for the club in today’s 3-1 victory over Notts County.

The 35-year-old replaced fellow forward Pat Hoban in the 84th-minute and scored with a left-footed effort in the final minute of stoppage time to cap off a fine Stags’ performance.

While sharing his excitement after the last-gasp victory, he said he wants to build on his maiden goal for the club after working hard to get to this point.

“It was a fantastic game really, to win. You could see everyone’s reactions at the end, how much it meant, I’m just pleased to be a part of it,” Henderson said.

“I am 35 now, and it means everything to me, to still be contributing and scoring goals, and I am hoping that’s the first of many.

Read more at http://www.mansfieldtown.net/news/article/2016-17/henderson-post-county-3353350.aspx#tyMz1ibLcKuxAyZ9.99

“I have been working hard to get to today, and it certainly paid off, and it’s something that I am not going to rely on. I am going to continue to work hard and everyone here knows that there’s healthy competition for places, and we are pushing each other.”

The former Sheffield United and Watford striker said the credit of winning this high-profile fixture goes down to the whole team, even though Henderson and fellow substitute Matt Green came off the bench to score the decisive goals.

“Today, we were resilient, we were running right to the end, and it paid off for us. I think the lads who put in the shift early on and came off, I don’t think you can forget those boys, because they worked tirelessly for the team.

“It just so happens that the couple of subs who have come on today and stole the limelight, but everyone’s very important here. Everyone’s here to play a part, and when called upon, we have to do it.

“There’s fine lines in football, as you know. We’ve managed to squeeze it over the line and we’re delighted every time we win.”

The Stags next face Wycombe Wanderers next Saturday and Henderson is keen to take encouragement from today’s result.

“Every game’s important and that’s what we are trying to do; to find consistency, push one another, and raise standards; and I think from the start of the season, we have done that and we’ll continue in all the way.”

Supporters can now view Darius Henderson’s post-match interview on Stags PlayerHD.

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Boss Sheridan lashes Magpies for manner of derby defeat by Stags
chad.co.uk, by JOHN LOMAS

Notts County manager John Sheridan said his side had thrown away a game that was there for taking in yesterday’s 3-1 local derby defeat at Mansfield Town.

Sheridan also lambasted his players for the ‘ridiculous’ goals they conceded.

“I am very disappointed to lose the game and the manner of the goals we gave away was ridiculous and is beating me up.

“It is ridiculous how we’ve conceded three goals here today and we need to sort it out quickly.

Read more at: http://www.chad.co.uk/sport/football/mansfield-town/boss-sheridan-lashes-magpies-for-manner-of-derby-defeat-by-stags-1-8171058?

“I said to them at half-time the game is there for you if you want it, raise your tempo, go and win it.

“But Mansfield came out second half and played a bit more in our face.

“My team talk today was if you win today you’re in the top three with a game in hand. If someone was telling me that and it was there to aim for that’s all you need.”

He continued “Players are a different breed today, and we need to get someone who is going to be ugly for an hour and a half, get on people’s backs for an hour and a half instead of just listening to me all the time as I am getting sick of saying it.

“We have thrown that game away. We gave ourselves a lifeline with the goal, but I just can’t condone the goals we are conceding. “We should have gone in 2-0 up at half-time, but sometimes you don’t take them and it comes back to bite you on the backside.

“It was a lethargic performance and the tempo was too slow first half, even though we were in control.

“I am gutted for the supporters. We had a big following and it was a big game for them. “It was an absolute disgrace of a penalty to give away. It’s just about reacting quickly instead of delaying. Fortunately we’d got away with one before.”

Notts had bee aiming for a fifth away win on the trot and Sheridan said: “I want to get out the division this season. “I want us to be a good team that people talk about. I don’t want people to see us conceding soft goals. I don’t want to be sitting 10th or just doing better than we did last season.

“I think we are a good enough team to do well, but not conceding goals like that.

“Luckily we have a game on Tuesday and on Saturday, two home games, and if we can get six points from them, it will be a bit of comeback.”

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John Sheridan: 'Notts threw Mansfield game away'
prideofnottingham.co.uk

Notts County manager John Sheridan has ripped into his side for throwing the game away after losing 3-1 at local rivals Mansfield Town on Saturday.

The Magpies spurned a number of chances in the first half as the Stags drew first blood in the second half through Matt Green.

Despite Alex Rodman's equaliser, Green's late penalty and Darius Henderson's injury-time cherry on top left Notts reeling in yet another derby defeat.

Sheridan told reporters: “I am very disappointed to lose the game and the manner of the goals we gave away was ridiculous and is beating me up.

“It is ridiculous how we’ve conceded three goals here today and we need to sort it out quickly.

“I said to them at half-time the game is there for you if you want it, raise your tempo, go and win it.

“But Mansfield came out second half and played a bit more in our face.

“My team talk today was if you win today you’re in the top three with a game in hand. If someone was telling me that and it was there to aim for that’s all you need.

“Players are a different breed today, and we need to get someone who is going to be ugly for an hour and a half, get on people’s backs for an hour and a half instead of just listening to me all the time as I am getting sick of saying it.

“We have thrown that game away. We gave ourselves a lifeline with the goal, but I just can’t condone the goals we are conceding.

“We should have gone in 2-0 up at half-time, but sometimes you don’t take them and it comes back to bite you on the backside.

“It was a lethargic performance and the tempo was too slow first half, even though we were in control.

“I am gutted for the supporters. We had a big following and it was a big game for them.

“It was an absolute disgrace of a penalty to give away. It’s just about reacting quickly instead of delaying. Fortunately we’d got away with one before.

“I want to get out the division this season. I want us to be a good team that people talk about.

"I don’t want people to see us conceding soft goals. I don’t want to be sitting 10th or just doing better than we did last season.

“I think we are a good enough team to do well, but not conceding goals like that.

“Luckily we have a game on Tuesday and on Saturday, two home games, and if we can get six points from them, it will be a bit of comeback.”

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twitter

Darius Henderson @DHenderson7
How much it still means to me.... Even at 35 #Goal #Celebration #ScoredInAllFourLeaguesClub

Patrick Hoban @PaHoban10
Massive performance from us today, delighted to get MOTM #Stags #DerbyDays #3points

scott shearer @scottshearerGK
Can't beat it when you make the rivals cry again

Jamie Mcguire
Bragging rights for the fans massive 3 points team and staff performance @mansfieldtownfc

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Latest | October 2016