Nigel Clough says Mansfield made ‘hard work’ of FA Cup win over Macclesfield
The Stags won 3-0 but needed two late goals to sink the National League North side.
Nigel Clough admitted his Mansfield side made “hard work” of it before grinding out a 3-0 FA Cup first round win over National League North outfit Macclesfield.
Nathan Moriah-Welsh gave the League One Stags a first-half lead netting from a low pull-back from Rhys Oates.
But Macclesfied were in the tie until Oates made it 2-0 17 minutes from time, turning home a low cross from Michael Smith from the right.
Jordan Bowery added a third in added time after being sent clear from halfway by Tyler Roberts, lifting a calm finish over Christian Dibble.
Clough was not happy with the Stags’ first-half showing and admitted Oates’ crucial second goal came as a relief.
“We made hard work of it in the first half,” said Clough.
“We started the game poorly, which gave them encouragement, but we were better second half.
“We were a bit sloppy early on and kept giving the ball to them, which was inexcusable really.
“There were a lot of poor decisions made in that first half – giving the ball away, when to shoot and when to press.
“But second half we played some good football and got in some good positions. It was a relief to see that second goal go in.”
Macclesfield manager John Rooney paid tribute to his battling side whose hopes of emulating last year’s incredible run to round four of the FA Cup only evaporated when Oates made it 2-0.
Rooney said: “I thought the lads were outstanding in the first half. We had six glorious chances and it was just that final bit of quality in the final third we lacked. If we had scored it would have changed the course of the game.
“But I couldn’t fault the lads’ effort and commitment.
“Later on we needed a goal so we started pushing more men forward and we looked a bit open at the back.”