Boss Michael Duff was pleased with the fight and spirit that Cheltenham Town showed in their 2-2 Sky Bet League Two draw with Mansfield Town at the Jonny-Rocks Stadium and believes that they deserved to win the game.
Goals from stand-in captain Ben Tozer and Will Boyle ensured the Robins turned around an early deficit before half-time following Tyler Walker’s opener for the Stags – but the Nottingham Forest loanee scored a 93rd minute equaliser to rescue a point.
“I think the lads delivered everything I asked from them,” said Duff post-match. “I spoke a lot before the game about fight and spirit because last week wasn't acceptable.”
“I think they have shown that, and I think we deserved to win the game and to see it out. They scored in the 93rd minute so it is frustrating, but we have to dust ourselves down and get on with it.
“The pleasing thing was the application, but there was a bit of quality in there as well, they need to show that sort of spirit.”
That stoppage time equaliser for Mansfield denied Duff a first three-point haul as manager since taking over, but the gaffer was pleased with the performance despite the fact Cheltenham are still waiting for a first League Two home victory in 2018/19.
“We needed something to drop for us, but something dropped for them in the 93rd minute and we couldn't quite get something to drop for us,” he continued.
“It's a point and it's a step closer to where we want to go. Of course we want that win, but I'll take performances like that because performances like that will get you more wins than losses."