Steve Evans focused much of his attention to referee Seb Stockbridge as he suffered his first loss as Mansfield Town manager.The Stags were beaten 5-2 by table topping Carlisle United in Sky Bet League 2, a game that was Evans's first away match as Stags boss.
Despite taking a 6th minute lead through Pat Hoban, Carlisle roard back to be leading 3-1 with all the goals coming from headers in the box, before the game's major talking point.
Michael Raynes for the home side, looked to have handled inside the Stags penalty area, but to the amazement of most in the ground, Stockbridge pointed to the spot which was duly converted.
Evans was far from impressed "Everyone in the ground, including the Carlisle United supporters were gobsmacked
The Carlisle players actually run back as the referee had blown his whistle and they think he (Raynes) has handled it." The Stags boss noted.
"To everyone's amazement he pointed to the spot
But I have had him before and my personal opinion is he is not very good." Evans concluded.
Despite the setback, supporters were quick to point out that 6 points from Evans's first three games was a decent return and Carlise look to be a strong bet for promotion this season.
Carlise will now host the Stags again in the Check-a-Make it up as you go along cup on Tuesday 6th December.
It will give Evans another chance to check on who is good enough to last the course as part of his time at the One Call Stadium.
One thing is guarenteed, most of the 180 odd Stags supporters who made the journey north for the league beating, will not be on the road for this pointless cup game.
After two home wins in his first couple of matches in the Mansfield Town hot seat, Evans will be hoping that he can get the club back to winning ways straight away, and staying in touch with the play off places in League 2.
The Stags are next in league action when they host Colchester United on Saturday 10th December.
Stags Next 3 Matches
Tue 6th Dec - Carlise (A) - Check-a-doodle do Trophy
Sat 10th Dec - Colchester Utd (H) - League 2
Sat 17th Dec - Exeter (A) - League 2
One thing not fazing Evans, is the amount of work him and his backroom team have to do in order to turn the Stags into a more serious contender in League 2, he had this take after leaving the referee alone
Known as a wheeler and dealer in the transfer market, it could make January very interesting for the supporters.
Source : DSG
Source: DSG