Goal ace Oliver denied by late strike

Oliver said he had spotted the keeper off his line before he sent a dipping 30-yard half-volley over Trevor Carson.

“It was a good one. One of those you just hit cleanly, and the keeper was off his line,” he said.

“I always have a quick look over my shoulder to see who is around me, so I did spot him off his line.

Oliver enjoyed playing before a slightly larger than usual home crowd after a cut-price ticket offer.

“It is a good atmosphere when the crowd are behind you,” he said. “It helps your confidence and it’s good being back playing and showing what I can do.

“It was a massive disappointment for everyone to concede so late and we are all downbeat about it. But we have got to kick on as we have a big game coming up on Tuesday.

“Coming so late it was hard to take.

The result saw Mansfield drop to within five points of the drop zone, but Oliver said: “For us, the mood in camp is we are not intending to look over our shoulders. We are just looking forward and fighting for a place in the play-offs.”

As to the future, he added: “I had an up and down spell at Crewe and it’s hard to keep the momentum going.

“I just want to concentrate on my football and everything else will be dealt with in due course. I need to concentrate on getting 90 minutes under my belt and scoring goals.”

To read the match report click HERETo read manager Adam Murray’s comments click HERE