Coulthirst happy to help Stags get scoring again

That run was ended by a 2-0 win over Carlisle last weekend, Coulthirst setting up Matt Green for the first goal and then scoring the second himself.

And the loan signing from Peterborough United was delighted to play a part in ending the barren spell.

He said: “Things hadn’t been going our way in front of goal but I always knew we could sort it out and the main thing was that we were creating the chances, which is better than when you’re not, so now we have to make sure we keep that going.

“It was important after the last few games that we did everything we could to get the win and to be back in the team and scoring was great for me as well as it being a good all-round performance from the team.

“I’ve seen Greeny day in day out in training scoring goals and I know what he can do so it was good to be able to assist him for what was a great header.

“I’m not really a winger so maybe it took me a while to realise I could cross it but I did in the end and luckily Greeny put it away.

“I’d had a couple of chances before my goal and had tried to put one in the near post but the keeper saved it so with the next one I went the opposite side and there was a clear gap and I knew it was in straight away.”

Mansfield now prepare for a trip to Morecambe this weekend to a face a side unlikely to be playing a part in the relegation battle or promotion mix come the end of the season.

But Coulthirst knows that won’t make it any easier a game.

He said: “It will be tough as the expectation levels are high when it comes to winning it given they’re not fighting for promotion but they all carry three points if you win it so it’s important we can win it which I think we can with our group of players.

“It’s hard not to take notice of the league table but with the games coming so thick and fast you see things change so quickly so it’s hard to keep track.”

On his own personal development, Coulthirst says he’s enjoyed playing alongside Stags’ attacking players, and although not wanting to set himself too much of a goalscoring target, remains keen to do his bit if it helps secure promotion.

He added: “I had some time out of the team and have come back in to score and I just want that to continue. I didn’t come here to not get in the play-offs, I came here to get promoted and that’s what I hope will happen.

“It works well with Danny Rose and I up front. He wins a lot of headers and I can run off him quite a bit despite him not being that tall - he has a great spring on him for a little guy.

“It’s an exciting part of the season. Points are the most important thing. Earlier on it’s about performances and getting momentum but now it’s about getting the crucial points.

“When I first came here I wanted to score ten goals but realistically whatever gets us promoted I’m fine with - if I stay at five and we go up then that suits me but obviously I want to score goals.”

And on his future after the season is out, Coulthirst said: “I’ve no idea on my long-term future. I just want to get promoted here and see what happens at the end of the season, have a good summer and see where that takes me.

“Everything has been perfect since I’ve been here - the fans, management, players, so there’s no reason I wouldn’t want to sign for the club, but at the moment the focus is on getting promoted.”