Mansfield were just too good, admits Notts County boss Luke Williams

Posted Saturday, October 14, 2023 by PA

Notts County boss Luke Williams hailed Mansfield as the best team his side have faced during his time in charge following their 4-1 defeat at Meadow Lane.

Dan Crowley gave the hosts the lead inside three minutes, but Louis Reed’s leveller and second-half goals from Baily Cargill, Aden Flint and Lucas Akins sealed an emphatic win for the Stags.

“I thought we started the game brilliantly, we just couldn’t maintain that level,” Williams said.

“I think we played the best team since I have been at this club. There was a noticeable difference and that was reflected in the scoreline.”

Mansfield dominated after falling behind and created several further chances to win by an even more handsome scoreline.

And Williams admitted his side could not live with their opponents.

“Nothing changed, we just couldn’t maintain that level of quality and speed of our play and our opposition played man to man against us which proved to be a brilliant tactic.

“Everyone had to take the ball under more pressure and they came out on top, way on top.

“When you are playing a team with that much quality, it’s understandable that they beat you from planned football with great movement and good finishes, but two set-pieces – it’s difficult for me to take.”

Mansfield assistant Andy Garner applauded his side’s performance but insisted they could still play better.

“Absolutely, it was an outstanding performance,” he said.

“We were gutted to go 1-0 down after three minutes. It took about 10 minutes for us to sort ourselves out and realise what we wanted to do and after that I thought we were outstanding.

“But we can play better. There have been games that we have drawn this season that we have played a lot better in.

“I’m not being over the top, we want to play better than we have just then, but we scored a couple of fantastic goals and they win you football matches.

“I think Louis Reed’s goal is massive. It was important to get in at half-time and (manager) Nigel (Clough) said a few words at half-time – we looked a bit scared in the first 10 minutes.

“We shouldn’t be scared of anyone. We are a good side and have some good players and we needed to get our there and do our jobs.”

Garner was also pleased to see centre-back Flint, a summer signing from Stoke, score his first goal for the club.

“It’s been a long time from corners, we haven’t scored from a corner for a while,” he said.

“I spoke with Aden before the game and said it’s about time you scored a goal. We’ve played 16 games, we brought you here to score some goals as well.

“It’s about time he got on the end of something and I am delighted for him.”