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League Two

More to come from Mansfield Town - Paul Cox

16 August 2014

Mansfield Town boss Paul Cox believes there is much more to come from his team after they beat Oxford United 2-1 to pick up their first win of the season.

Former Oxford player Adam Murray rifled home with just two minutes left to secure the win.

Mansfield had taken the lead in the 39th minute when defender Ryan Tafazolli fired into an empty net before s ubstitute Danny Hylton scored from the spot to equalise after he had been fouled by Tafazolli with 12 minutes to go.

But Murray, who had been on the pitch for just three minutes, drilled a fierce effort from 16 yards low past George Long.

The result, Mansfield's first win of the season, left boss Cox full of praise for his injury-hit squad.

"It was good to get our first win of the season and the players deserve great credit," said Cox.

"We played some good stuff and the lads had lots of energy and worked their socks off.

"I was a little disappointed that we panicked a bit in the closing stages,but we showed great character to get ahead again.

"We need to improve our final ball and our movement, but there is more to come from this team

"We are still struggling with injuries and the lads have had to work really hard this week. It was a bit of a battle and there was plenty of passion, it is what League Two is all about."

"Ryan Tafazolli is getting better and better, he is massive for us right now. The back three defended well, but I thought we were also superb as a team and defended well from the front."

United boss Michael Appleton said their was no need to panic despite the defeat, which leaves Oxford still searching for their first point.

"It is disappointing to have lost the game in this way," said Appleton.

"We knew that they would come back at us and we have not dealt with that. That is what has cost us this game.

"We showed character to level but we need to be on the front foot more.

"There were too many players that were not on it in the first half.

"There is no need to panic yet and I am not going to get carried away. We are only two games into a 46 game season.

"The players are showing an improvement on last year and I think the first win will give us the confidence that we need.

"There is no lack of belief in the team. I know that we have got the ability.

"It is important that we bounce back from this, the good thing is that the games are coming thick and fast at this stage of the season."


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