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Ironside: Mansfield performance was only a start

31 December 2023

Interviews

Ironside: Mansfield performance was only a start

31 December 2023

Joe Ironside insisted the strong performance at Mansfield Town was only the start for Rovers as they seek to get back on the right track.

Ironside netted a fine second half equaliser to send Rovers on the way to a deserved share of the spoils at the One Call Stadium.

And he believes the performance has given the squad something to build on - starting against MK Dons on New Year’s Day.

“We just got to keep pushing,” Ironside said.

“Mansfield was a start after the disappointing run we’ve been on. It was a good start and a good foundation to build on. We just need to get back into training and try to build on it.

“We’ve been working desperately hard with tactics and everything to get the best out of us.

“We played well as a team and we were unlucky to come away with just a point.

“We were brave and played passes to try to break lines and get behind them. We knew we’d get chances in the second half and it was about making sure we were more clinical.”

Ironside admitted feeling a burden after missing a penalty at Notts County on Boxing with the score at 0-0. Rovers went on to lose the game.

“I did feel responsible with the penalty at Notts County because it was a big moment in the game,” he said. “As penalty taker, you have to take that responsibility.

“Sometimes they don’t go in but it’s how you react to that. I’m sure I’ll get another opportunity with a penalty and I’ll make sure that I put it away.

“That wasn’t the first penalty I’ve missed in my career and it probably won’t be the last so I’ve just got to make sure I’m mentally strong and ready to take the next one.”

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