David Flitcroft tells Mansfield Town players to be more ruthless in final third

Mansfield Town manager David Flitcroft has called on his side to be more ruthless in the final third.
Mansfield Town Manager David Flitcroft: Picture by Steve Flynn/AHPIX.com, Football: Sky Bet League Two match Macclesfield Town -V- Mansfield Town at Moss Rose, Macclesfield, Cheshire, England copyright picture Howard Roe 07973 739229Mansfield Town Manager David Flitcroft: Picture by Steve Flynn/AHPIX.com, Football: Sky Bet League Two match Macclesfield Town -V- Mansfield Town at Moss Rose, Macclesfield, Cheshire, England copyright picture Howard Roe 07973 739229
Mansfield Town Manager David Flitcroft: Picture by Steve Flynn/AHPIX.com, Football: Sky Bet League Two match Macclesfield Town -V- Mansfield Town at Moss Rose, Macclesfield, Cheshire, England copyright picture Howard Roe 07973 739229

The Stags were held to a 1-1 draw at Macclesfield Town on Saturday in a match they led in and had chances to extend their lead before the home side struck back.

Related content: Macclesfield Town 1-1 Mansfield Town report - Stags draw a fourth consecutive League Two matchAnd Flitcroft underlined the importance of getting that second goal while on top after the match.

He said: “I’m bitterly disappointed that we’ve not come here and gained all three points from a winning position. We took our foot off the gas in the first-half a little bit.

“That’s the time to really step on the gas. We had a lot of good possession first-half. We worked the ball really well and it made them make three changes at half-time.

“But you have to score a second. The way that Macclesfield set up where they smash the ball up and go for set pieces, it’s really important that you score that second.

“We spoke to them at half-time about the importance of that. We’ve not turned the screw, and at 2-0 there would be no way back.

“We have to be ruthless. Players have been brought in to really make the moments count. We have to better in those moments. Nine shots on target and some really good chances and it’s the same story. It’s not good enough.

“That’s something we have to take on board. I never felt in fear of the game or as though we’d lose it, but we have to come to Macclesfield and make more of chances created.

“When you’re good, and I’m looking at Walker, Davies, Rose and Khan, these are quality players. They have to believe that in those moments that you’re good enough, not just to score and win the game, but go on and technically be supreme in that moment.

And added: “We have to speak to the players and we’ll work on that Monday. But it’s a belief factor. I think with the attacking play we’re certainly getting enough opportunities, but we have to make maximum impact.

“I’m disappointed we’ve not made more of the dominance at times. It’s important that we do turn draws into wins.”