Shirtliff hails Stags youth
29 Nov 2006 - 16:32:38
Mansfield Town boss Peter Shirtliff is optimistic for the future of the club after a number of youngsters impressed in the side's 1-0 defeat at Darlington in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy on Tuesday.
The Stags were dumped out of at the northern section quarter-final stage courtesy of a stunning goal from Martin Smith at the 96.6 TFM Arena, but Shirtliff managed to take a number of positive aspects from the game.
He said: "The young players that came in did well and it looks as though we have some good ones for the future.
"Nathan Arnold came in on the right and did very well and, when Rory Boulding came off the bench in the second half, he looked strong and he could come good for us.
"Simon Brown came back after injury and he's one of the players who pushed himself into my thoughts for Saturday.
"I'll take it because that was one unbelievable strike for their goal and sometimes you just have to hold your hand up and admit that the game was won by a terrific strike. We had our chances but the ball just wouldn't run for us."