Stags must build on good results, says Sutton

Home wins against Stevenage and Luton were followed up by a defeat at Morecambe and a hammering at Oxford.

“The last two wins we really thought were turning points as we were creating chances and felt good,” said the Stags defender.

“So it is disappointing that after each we took a step back and we have got to kick on now.

“We have to pick up points at home, especially against teams down there.

“All our wins in the last 15 have been 1-0s and we are trying to improve on that and get that second goal.”

Sutton was happy to quickly draw a line under last week’s defeat at Oxford, though was adamant the turning point was a foul on Mansfield keeper Lenny Pidgeley that led to the opening goal.

“It was horrible from the start,” he said. “In the first 15 minutes we had them on the back foot. The first goal changed everything and we thought it was a foul on Lenny. It just went downhill from then on.”

Sutton was also quick to back up manager Adam Murray, whose view that fatigue had played a part in the club’s downfall at Oxford had been met with scorn from some fans.

“Anyone who has played the game knows it is true,” he said. “Playing five games in two weeks it is going to take its toll.

“We have been trying to recover and do the right things this week. We have not been lazy, though. We have done pool sessions and cooling down sessions.”

Sutton was hopeful Stags can get clear of the dogfight sooner than later.

“We know we have a relegation battle on our hands. Tomorrow we have to get on the front foot and make sure we get something out of it,” he said.

“In midweek Tranmere were 2-1 up with five minutes left against Portsmouth, but then they bottled it and lost 3-2. But we can’t be relying on other teams slipping up.

“We need to push up the table and make sure we get clear of this before the last few games of the season.

“On a personal note it is good to be playing every week, be it centre half or full back. But the last thing I want is for us to be down there at the end of the season and only having myself to blame.”