Graham Coughlan angry after Mansfield concede two late goals in Carlisle draw

Posted Sunday, February 02, 2020 by PA

Mansfield manager Graham Coughlan was furious at his side’s defending as they allowed visiting Carlisle to net twice in the last nine minutes for an unlikely 2-2 draw.

Nicky Maynard’s second-half brace seemed to have Stags heading for all three points until an Elliot Watt cross sailed in on the strong wind before, in added time, Joshua Kayode stole an equaliser.

“It’s car crash defending,” raged Coughlan. “It should not be happening at this level. It’s not good enough. It feels like a defeat.

“Okay, the conditions took the cross over our goalie’s head into the net.

“But you don’t give the foul away in the 94th minute, then fail to shut down the front post and let the ball bounce into your box. I am just asking us to see out the last free-kick of the game.

“The first goal had gone in with a bit of luck, but just defend the free-kick.

“Our lads’ confidence is low and they have been beat up all season.

“But those are the moments that hurt us and kill us. If we can see those moments through – and I say this when I am absolutely fuming – we will have long-term success.”

A strong wind spoiled much of the game but, with it behind them, Mansfield went ahead after 58 minutes as Danny Rose set up Maynard for a low finish from Bobby Olejnik’s long clearance.

Maynard struck again with another low finish when Harry Charsley laid Rose’s cross into his path after 72 minutes to make it 15 goals for the season.

But Watt’s freak goal after 81 minutes gave United hope and in the third added minute Kayode turned home Watt’s free-kick from close range for an unlikely point.

Carlisle head coach Chris Beech said: “I was really pleased with the boys’ character to come back. We definitely didn’t deserve to lose it.

“Elliot said he meant to do that (the goal) but I am not sure he did. Again the conditions affected the match.

“For the second it was a quality ball in and JJ was in the right place at the right time again.

“At the end I sent Aaron (Hayden) up front to cause a bit more chaos. It put pressure on Mansfield and I thought we may as well get beat 3-1 but try to get back to 2-2. It was the right thing to do.

“The lads said ‘we’re not getting beat’ and rolled their sleeves up. I was really pleased with that.

“It gives me heart to see them come back from disadvantage in a game. We are never dead or laying down.”