Rhead confident Stags will stay up

Rhead failed to convert two good early chances before Paul Hayes scored a sensational goal from 25 yards after nine minutes for the visitors.

Hayes then sealed the Iron’s win on 74 minutes and Stags now haven’t won at home for 10 games.

“I understand the fans’ frustrations as we are picking up points more frequently on the road,” said Rhead.

“But we do want to win at home and no one is more frustrated than the players.

“We are working hard and I am sure we will turn it round in the next few games.

“We need to relax a bit more on the ball at home and we need that bit of quality in the final third to put it in the net and take the pressure off our defence.

“We are more than good enough to stay up.

“It’s not like we are not creating chances. We are doing well in parts of the games. But for top teams like Scunthorpe, the breaks go for you. We were deflated by their wonder goal when we were on top.

“We are still confident we can give anyone a game in this league.

Rhead knows his place is under threat as Stags desperately look for quality strikers with League experience in the current transfer window.

“I was disappointed as I had a few chances, especially first half, and it was just unfortunate I didn’t take them,” he said.

“Their keeper made a great save from the first and the other was just over the bar.

“But I know I am more than good enough to score goals here. I am confident in my ability.

“Calvin Andrew has gone now so I know we need to strengthen our strike force and freshen things up. But knowing that just makes me work harder.”

Defender John McCombe has left the club by mutual consent this weekend as they seek to free up transfer funds.

First team opportunities were limited for the 28-year-old, after he made just seven starts for the Stags this season since signing from Port Vale.