Hero Bingham happy to back among the goals

Mansfield Town's Rakish Bingham -Pic by: Richard Parkes

Rakish Bingham turned in a man of the match display with a crucial brace of goals to see off plucky Carlisle United 3-2 yesterday with boss Paul Cox insisting there is much more to come from the exciting former Wigan youngster.

Bingham netted twice in four minutes late in the half after Lee Beevers had sent Stags on their way with a fourth minute header.

But the bottom placed visitors hit back strongly in the second half and almost pulled off a sensational comeback for new boss, ex-Stags manager Keith Curle, but could only pull back two as Mansfield clung on at the death.

“I was delighted to get man of the match and help the team to a win to move up the table,” smiled Bingham.

“The goals are good for my confidence as I have had a few chances lately that I’ve not put away.

“Whenever Matt Rhead goes up for a header, he takes one or two men with him which leaves me room and I put the first in at the back post.

“Lee Beevers’ run for the second was brilliant. He ran almost the length of the pitch. My finish was a bit of a shin roller, but they all count.

“The gaffer told us at half-time that Carlisle would come out all guns blazing. They put us under the cosh for the majority of the second half. But, as a team we battled well and ground out a result. The team spirit here is unbelievable.”

Manager Cox said: Rakish has scored two today that were harder than the ones that haven’t gone in over the last three games.

“He is still not fully fit and we won’t see the best of him for another month. He’s not had a proper pre-season so he is playing catch-up. He will only get better.”