VIDEO - LOMAS ON STAGS: Derby win shows Mansfield have what it takes

Not only did those two stoppage time goals seal another memorable local derby win for Mansfield Town on Saturday, they could also prove to be a major turning point in the Stags' season.
Mansfield Town v Notts County, Saturday October 8th 2016. Mansfield Town player Darius Henderson celebrates after scoring the 3rd goal. Picture: Chris EtchellsMansfield Town v Notts County, Saturday October 8th 2016. Mansfield Town player Darius Henderson celebrates after scoring the 3rd goal. Picture: Chris Etchells
Mansfield Town v Notts County, Saturday October 8th 2016. Mansfield Town player Darius Henderson celebrates after scoring the 3rd goal. Picture: Chris Etchells

Pressure had been mounting on Adam Murray’s men to produce the goods at home.

Now they have and, with away form already promotion form, confidence at home has been given an absolutely massive shot in the arm.

Not only will the players be feeling that lift ahead of this weekend’s visit of Wycombe, Saturday’s larger than usual home crowd may see some of them won over enough to return.

The fans certainly played their part in an enthralling derby that could have gone either way.

Click HERE to see video highlights of the match

Click HERE to see video of the Henderson penalty claim that was turned down. What do you think?

Click HERE to see video of Pat Hoban’s lob hitting the bar at 1-0

Click HERE to read match report

Click HERE to read Adam Murray’s thoughts on the game

Click HERE to read Matt Green’s views on being dropped

Click HERE to see a slideshow of match action photographs

Click HERE to see a gallery of pictures of fans in the stands

Click HERE to read Tim Morriss’ blog

Click HERE to read Catling’s Corner blog

Click HERE to read Notts boss John Sheridan’s views on their defeat

Click HERE to read Martin Shaw’s blog on the game

Click HERE to see video of the celebrations at the final whistle

There wasn’t too much in the way of pretty football played.

But local derbies are usually more about blood and thunder and more visceral thrills – and we had those in abundance.

Stags went into the big game on a terrible home run – no wins in four and no goals in any of them

And the first 25 minutes belonged firmly to the high-flying Magpies, chasing a fifth away League win on the trot.

Scott Shearer did well to turn a low Jonathan Forte shot onto his near post and also superbly denied the same player in a one-on-one while skipper Lee Collins had to head a Jon Stead shot off the line.

But the Stags warmed to their task and Danny Rose was only just wide at the far post from a Rhys Bennett cross.

Stags boss Murray had left star striker Matt Green on the bench for a fourth successive game and even at the break you could sense that Green’s frustration at that decision could prove crucial when unleashed.

The afternoon was tailor-made for him, and he took his introduction with both hands in lethal fashion.

In midweek it had taken Green just three minutes to score after being thrown on. On Saturday it took him just 23 seconds to find the net.

This time Pat Hoban nodded down a Mal Bennning cross from the left and Green’s finish deflected in off Richard Duffy – Stags’ first home goal in 440 agonising minutes.

The rest of the game was like a movie script.

First Hoban hit the bar with had looked a perfect lob. Then Notts equalised out of the blue with just eight minutes to go as ex-Stags Vadaine Oliver nodded down from a free kick and, as Stags failed to clear, Alex Rodman drilled in a low shot that deflected in off Jamie McGuire.

But Green was not to be denied his starring role and after referee Carl Boyeson had turned down a great shout for a penalty for Forte’s challenge on Darius Henderson, Matt Tootle blocked off Benning in the box and Green put the ball on the spot a minute in to added time.

His penalty was ice cool and powerful, flying high into the top left corner and the celebrations were wild.

There was more to come as the immaculate Chris Clements audaciously flicked the ball up just outside his own box and volleyed the ball to the other box where Henderson was like a juggernaut as he smashed his way past two defenders to steer home his first goal for the club.

His ecstatic shirtless celebration was always going to merit a yellow card under the FA’s ridiculous rules, but no one really cared as Stags savoured a third derby win a row.

Those who had criticised Murray for leaving Green on the bench should hold their hands up to his man-management skills.

But the striker must now be hoping for a recall on Saturday, probably alongside the powerful Hoban, who held the ball up so well and won so much in the air.

For once man of the match was a tough decision with so many fine displays.

Shearer did all that was asked of him superbly and made two crucial saves at 0-0.

Clements was inspirational in central midfield, spraying passes all over and also putting in some great tackles.

Jamie McGuire typified the club’s spirit with a solid performance in front of the ever-mean back four while Hoban, Green and, for the short time he was on, Henderson, were outstanding up front.

With Notts expected to be up there in the play-off fight all season, Saturday should underline to Stags’ players and fans that they have what it takes to stay the course.

But they have to reproduce that passion and ambition again this Saturday when the atmosphere is altogether more sedate and ensure there is no ‘After the Lord Mayor’s Show’ against Wycombe.