A SIGH OF RELIEF FOR DEMPSTER
STAGS boss John Dempster said he was pleased to be in the hat for the next round after his side hung on to beat the National League’s bottom side Chorley.
Dempster said: “Getting through was the objective at the start of the day so we are pleased to be in the hat – that’s all that matters.
“The experiences I have had in the FA Cup, positive ones when we have got to the third, fourth, fifth round, the journey is a rocky one and there are trials and tribulations along the way.
“It’s never a pleasant journey and today was another example of that.”
Chorley had frustrated the Stags all afternoon and almost won it seconds before Nicky Maynard’s 81st-minute goal, but home keeper Conrad Logan pulled off a brilliant save to keep out Lewis Baines’ header.
A dour first half saw the visitors go close with a couple of half-chances, but it took 64 minutes before there was a shot on target as Neal Bishop warmed Matt Urwin’s hands.
With 10 minutes left Logan made his crucial save and Stags went upfield to win it as an unsighted Urwin could only parry Jacob Mellis’ low shot and Maynard was on hand to nod home.
“I thought Chorley stayed with us for 45-60 minutes and then they started to tire,” Dempster added.
“That was always going to be the case as it was a big day for them, even though they are only in the league below us.
“They were always going to give it their all.”
“I think we could have worked the keeper more, but overall I am pleased with the players as at times we had to be patient.”
Chorley boss Jamie Vermiglio said he felt sorry for his battling players as they were pipped, just when a money-spinning FA Cup home replay looked on the cards.
“It’s the story of our season,” said Vermiglio.
“I feel sorry for the lads to a certain degree.
“To be sucker-punched again in the last 10 minutes it’s difficult for them to take.
“We go down that end and if Bainesy had scored we potentially win the game, instead we go down the other end, Matty was unsighted and they go on and score.
“The lads have done very well today. They have defended like trojans. But at the end of the day we’re out of the FA Cup. We were obviously never going to win it. But it’s the prestige and financial gain that comes with it so we’re disappointed, especially when you get to the last 10 minutes thinking you could get them back for at the very least a replay.
“We gave it a really good go.”