Manager’s psychology worked wonders admits CJ Hamilton after Mansfield Town trounce rivals Exeter City

The manager gathered players to speak about their motivation for success as he tried to halt a four-game run without a win.

Players then made a dressing room wall collage of their families.

“It was a great experience for all the boys, none of us had done that before,” said Hamilton.

READ BOSS FLITCROFT’S THOUGHTSREAD THE MATCH REPORT“You get insights into different people and see exactly what is behind them rather than what you just see on the pitch.

“It brought us all together and it was a really good boost for the team.

“Mine was my family at home - my sister travels to most games and my mum is always listening. I try to do it for them.”

He added: “The tactics that the gaffer set out today, running behind them, obviously worked.

“Every time we did it we got success and I was happy to get the two goals.

“Last week we weren’t the best so we needed we needed to come down here and win.

“I always try to win, but today I was really on it and I hope I can carry that on now for the last six games.

“Exeter are a good team, especially at home, so to come down here and dominate them like that was good for us.

“I think straight away I knew I had the better of the defenders. I scored two goals and was involved in the penalty. It was my sort of game and everyone was outstanding today.”

Stags are now two points outside the top three with six games to go and Hamilton said: “We only focus on ourselves so if we keep doing what we were doing today then everything should take care of itself.

“After last week we needed a boost like that today and hopefully we can now play like that for the last six games.

“The fans were outstanding again today and gave us that extra lift throughout the game.”