Nigel Clough hails Mansfield’s work ethic after last-gasp win against Rotherham

Mansfield boss Nigel Clough hailed their last-gasp 2-1 home win over struggling Rotherham as fully deserved and possibly the best three points his team will get all season.

Behind to an early Jordan Hugill penalty, Mansfield hit back to level through Tyler Roberts before Dom Dwyer popped up with a 90th-minute winner, seconds after coming on to give injury-ravaged Mansfield a first win in seven games.

“Getting a result in these circumstances and adversity, they feel even more special,” said Clough.

“We had to work incredibly hard and I don’t think we will get a better three points this season.

“We showed character in abundance today after going behind so early on with a patched-up side.

“The win was nothing more than we deserved for our performance over the 95 minutes.

“I don’t think we deserved to lose the game last week so this goes in some way to making up for it with a late winner.”

Rotherham are also struggling with injuries and Clough added: “I thought we played some good stuff today against a very good team.

“Don’t underestimate Rotherham because of their league position. They have Championship players left over and they won’t be down there in the next few months.”

Hugill put United ahead from the spot after seven minutes when the referee adjudged Frazer Blake-Tracy had handled.

But Roberts’ first goal for the Stags levelled matters after 62 minutes as he stroked a fine finish across the keeper from a quick throw-in by Rhys Oates.

The winner then came at the death as Dwyer threw himself into a close-range diving header to bury Aaron Lewis’ superb free-kick from the right.

Millers boss Matt Hamshaw said: “That has been the story of our season and it was tough to take again.

“It was a decent first half and we could have scored a couple of goals but I was really disappointed with our second half – we should have done more.

“And we have to be better than that, conceding that last-minute goal.

“With our injuries, I am a bit restricted with what substitutions I can make which is frustrating.

“The goals we are conceding are down to moments of concentration.

“It just wasn’t good enough and I take full responsibility.

“It is a difficult, testing time at the moment and I appreciate the fans’ frustration – the club and the fans mean the world to me and I am desperate to get results.

“We are doing the best we can at this moment in time in difficult circumstances. It is my job to find answers – and I will find them.

“We have to show a bit more character than we showed in that second half.”