Timing of first goal was "crucial" admits Mattock

Defender Joe Mattock believes the timing of our first goal against Mansfield was important as the side ran out 2-1 victors over The Stags this afternoon.

The 32-year-old, who started his first match since January, spoke after the match to the club’s website.

He said: “I really enjoyed the game, especially in the first half, I thought we started well. They started the game well too and put us under pressure from the first whistle.

“We knew that if we could handle that 10, 15 minute spell of pressure then they wouldn’t be able to sustain that for the full 90.

“After that, we started to get the ball moving and I think from there the game started to open up. It was crucial that we got the goal when we did because it got their heads down.”

With several key blocks from the defenders and a world class save from Mark Oxley, Mattock believes these challenges are ones which should be enjoyed.

“Overall, I am buzzing with the performance, I thought the lads played brilliantly, obviously we scored some great goals but we also dug in right until the end too.

“It was a really difficult afternoon for us as a unit but that’s what it is all about as a defender. I think you have to be willing to put your body on the line.

“Fouldsy made some brilliant blocks, I managed to make a couple of blocks myself, Easty made some crucial headers at the right time and Ox pulled off an unbelievable save which kept us in it.

“For us now, it’s about taking that forward into Rochdale. Hopefully we can keep up this winning streak and finish as high up the table as we can.”

With both Kazeem Olaigbe and Matty Daly hitting top form in the victory, the defender was full of praise for their efforts.

“I like to step in and look for the passes into the midfield, obviously, Matty Daly and Kazeem Olaigbe are great at finding pockets of space. It makes it easier for everyone in the team because they’re always offering an option.

“All we need to do is find them and you know they have the ability to split a defence or break the lines and after that you’re always within a shout of getting a goal.”