Opening pace surprised Stags in first friendly
In high temperatures at the end of their week-long training camp in Portugal, the Stags were expecting a more leisurely first game.
Instead it was fast and at times highly competitive as the hosts won 1-0 with a 77th minute goal.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdAssistant manager Ben Futcher said: “It was a fantastic workout.
“It was probably a lot higher intensity than everyone expected.
“In that heat – it was over 30 degrees - it’s normally a slower tempo but they came out of the blocks and made it a really competitive game.
“It was a brilliant workout and was just what we wanted – probably better than what we wanted.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide Ad“Everyone got 45 minutes in and the young U21s who were involved never let themselves down and did themselves proud.”
Stags now turn their attentions to a trip to Bradford Park Avenue on Thursday (7.30).