STAGS’ FANS ROAR FOR COUGHLAN
NEW boss Graham Coughlan believes he had the supporters to thank as his Mansfield side held on for a point at home to Northampton.
Andy Cook’s 74th-minute goal was wiped out by Harry Smith’s leveller after 84 minutes and the Cobblers pressed in the seven added minutes.
“I would have loved three points but all round I have to be relatively pleased with a point against a promotionchasing team,” smiled Coughlan.
“I actually think the crowd got us over the line at the end of the game. The crowd got us the draw.
“They could see the lads were getting tired, you could see they were sinking. The reaction of the crowd after the goals went in, it was like we’d scored it.
“They got up and clapped the lads as they could see they were leaving everything out on the pitch. I thought the crowd was absolutely immense.
“The reception I got was great and it’s my responsibility to make sure I get that the week after and the week after. That was brilliant. My missus and kids were here today and they would have felt that too.”
Northampton came close within 15 seconds as Sam Hoskins crashed a shot against the bar.
It was end to end as Will Tomlinson sent a 25-yard volley wide, then Bobby Olejnik had to beat away a far-post finish from Nicky Adams.
Danny Rose sent an overhead kick straight at David Cornell while Ryan Watson’s cross had Olejnik clawing it from under the crossbar as the half ended 0-0.
CJ Hamilton went close on the break as he cut inside but just missed the target.
But Cook broke the deadlock after 74 minutes as he turned well and drilled inside the near post from 25 yards.
Hamilton blazed over a glorious chance to seal it on 82 minutes and two minutes later sub Smith looped a header over Olejnik and under the angle from Nicky Adams’ ball in to level.
Northampton manager Keith Curle was happy with a point at his former club, saying: “Away from home and with the manner of the game you’d say it was definitely a point gained.
“I know this club and that it’s a difficult place to come.
“I know what this place is like when you get it rocking and I know what it’s like when things are not going your way. “If we’d got a goal in that first half I think that may have put some jitters and uncertainly into Mansfield with the new manager coming in. “When Sam hit the crossbar in the first 30 seconds, had that gone in that might have set some anxiety among their players. “Getting a draw showed the character, the bravery and the honesty in the group.”