We more than matched Mansfield, says Holleran

The Stags eased to victory at the Northern Premier League side with the balance of play in stark contrast to Saturday when Brakes held their own for 70 minutes against their big-spending opponents.

“I spoke to Hednesford and they said they couldn’t get near them,” said Holleran.

“But against us they put out two sides who would both go close in the Conference and, especially in the first half, we more than matched them, if not were better than them.

“We struggled in the last 20 minutes and it was difficult but that was more a case of our players tiring and their 2nd XI getting a spring in the step.”

While his side’s display was encouraging, Holleran’s focus remains on the season opener at Bedford on August 18. And, despite their campaign starting away from the New Windmill, he is confident of getting off to a winning start.

“It is not a big journey, it’s a great playing surface and we always put in a good performance there,” he said.

Brakes are at Coventry Sphinx tomorrow (3pm) before entertaining a Birmingham City XI on Wednesday (7.30pm).