Monday 7 April 2014 10:29, UK
Paul Cox defended Mansfield's strong arm tactics after a wonder goal from substitute Colin Daniel saw them beat Morecambe 1-0.
Daniel fired Mansfield into the lead with a stunning 43rd minute free kick that flew past Morecambe goalkeeper Barry Roche and ended up in the top right hand corner of the Shrimps goal to give the Stags a vital three points in a bruising encounter. Morecambe's efforts to get back into the game were hit Andy Fleming was given a straight red card for a foul on Adam Murray with seven minutes left. Cox said: "It was a right old battle and I think we deserved it in the end. "We knew that Morecambe would come out and go for it. There was tackles flying everywhere but we got the moment of quality that was needed. "They didn't like the physical battle and if they dish it out they have to receive it. Just because there is a bit of blood it doesn't mean they have been fouled. "There was a few nasty tackles and their lad deserved to get sent off. "It was a tempestuous game between two sides going all out for the win and there were some off the ball incidents that were out of order. "But we won the game through a world class goal from Colin Daniel and if had not been for their keeper we would have won by a greater margin."
