Jean-Louis Akpa Akpro clinched promotion for the Shrews before leading the tributes to boss Micky Mellon.
Former Toulouse striker Akpa Akpro, 30, called his deflected winner "the best goal of my career" before adding:
"The gaffer is one of the best managers I have worked with. He makes everything easy to understand - until he gets angry and then I find his Scottish accent difficult.
"The organisation of the team is down to Micky and his staff. He's the most honest manager I've had in my career and that's important to a player."
Akpa Akpro's goal dumped Cheltenham out of the football league and he revealed he felt for them as he celebrated with his teammates. He revealed:
"I was trying to enjoy it, but you also have to respect them. I know how they are feeling as I was relegated with Tranmere last season. It's horrible for them, but we'll be at home next week when the real party can begin."
Keeper Jayson Leutwiler, 26, claimed a 23rd clean sheet of the season and also praised Mellon. He said:
"It's so simple playing for him. Black is black and white is white, there's no grey. You know that you will always get the truth from him so you aren't left wondering what he really means. He's a very honest man."
Central defender Mark Ellis, 26, set up Akpa Akpro's clincher and revealed Mellon's growing reputation convinced him to sign for the Shrews last summer before they had even met. He said:
"I'd never come across Micky before, but knew all about him so didn't think I needed to meet him before I signed the contract."
And Ellis now hopes to beat his boyhood heroes next week to win a League winners medal. He revealed:
"We've got Plymouth. I supported as a kid and always will do, but we've got a job to do next week and I'll make sure we do it"
Delighted Mellon also turned his thoughts to the final game and said:
"We're going to have a big Scottish promotion party and then we go into next week’s home game trying to give it our best shot at winning the title. Let’s go for it! Let’s just go for it and give it everything we’ve got with a fantastic promotion under our belts already."
Cheltenham dropped out of the league after a sixteen year stay despite bringing in Gary Johnson as their fourth manager of the season six games ago.
Furious fans hurled abuse at the Robins players and called them "bottlers" and "cowards" as they left the ground and Johnson also questioned the professionalism of some of them. He said:
"There's a fitness level that professionals have to maintain. They have to live like professionals and act like professionals - some of them found it very hard to do that.
"Hopefully the club's strong enough to come back quickly because it's got a good academy and it's got some good youngsters who wouldn't be ready this year, but I'm sure will be ready next year."
I've set up this blog (Monday-Friday) to give extra coverage to teams I cover for the national press. Any views and opinions are all my own. Best wishes, Jeff. Follow me on Twitter and I'll update you each time I blog. http://twitter.com/JeffTaplin P.S. During the summer break I reserve the right to ramble on about anything and everything!
Monday 27 April 2015
Bristol City 0 Coventry City 0
Aaron Wilbraham has tipped the Robins' rookie champions to step up a gear next season.
Bristol City skipper Wilbraham added a League One winners' medal to the silverware he picked when MK Dons clinched the League Two title in 2008. He then said:
"It's a young and exciting squad. They're more than capable of holding their own and don't fear anything. We have the momentum from winning this league, so if we take it on into next season, there's no reason why we can't catch teams cold next year and keep that winning mentality.
"We've been up there since the start of the season, there's been a lot of pressure and they've handled it really well. They're still learning and the likes of Joe Bryan and Luke Freeman have improved unbelievably. It's a great young squad, they'll have learned a lot and the manager will bring in more good characters like he did at the start of this season."
Striker Wilbraham last won promotion from League One with Hull ten years ago and has also helped Norwich and Crystal Palace win promotion to the Premier League. He is now looking forward to another challenge after securing a new contract and said:
"I had to play a certain number of games and I did that by the end of December. Obviously with me being thirty-five the club have to look after themselves and not go offering 35 year olds five year contracts, but I played enough games to get an extra year and I was delighted with that."
Manager Steve Cotterill paid tribute to the support he had received from owner Steve Lansdown and Chairman Keith Dawe, but when it was pointed out that he might attract interest from other clubs, he said:
"It's up to the Chairman and the directors isn't it? While I'm in charge, I'll do my best. The support I've had from the boardroom has been magnificent.
"Football's a transitional sport. These days players come and go, managers come and go and even owners come and go. The one thing that stays is the football club and its supporters."
And Cotterill believes the club have what it takes to reach the Premier League. He said:
"It just needs all the ingredients to drop into place at the right time. Whether I'm part of those ingredients, you never know, but the city can host a Premier League club. The city's fantastic. There's well over half a million people here, there will be a brilliant new stadium by the end of next season, so why not?"
Coventry boss Tony Mowbray was delighted with the point that eased his club's relegation worries, but paid tribute to Cotterill and his team. He said:
"They warrant being champions by going out against teams and attacking. I could see a well coached team in front of my eyes. They've got a system and style of play that's very brave."
Bristol City skipper Wilbraham added a League One winners' medal to the silverware he picked when MK Dons clinched the League Two title in 2008. He then said:
"It's a young and exciting squad. They're more than capable of holding their own and don't fear anything. We have the momentum from winning this league, so if we take it on into next season, there's no reason why we can't catch teams cold next year and keep that winning mentality.
"We've been up there since the start of the season, there's been a lot of pressure and they've handled it really well. They're still learning and the likes of Joe Bryan and Luke Freeman have improved unbelievably. It's a great young squad, they'll have learned a lot and the manager will bring in more good characters like he did at the start of this season."
Striker Wilbraham last won promotion from League One with Hull ten years ago and has also helped Norwich and Crystal Palace win promotion to the Premier League. He is now looking forward to another challenge after securing a new contract and said:
"I had to play a certain number of games and I did that by the end of December. Obviously with me being thirty-five the club have to look after themselves and not go offering 35 year olds five year contracts, but I played enough games to get an extra year and I was delighted with that."
Manager Steve Cotterill paid tribute to the support he had received from owner Steve Lansdown and Chairman Keith Dawe, but when it was pointed out that he might attract interest from other clubs, he said:
"It's up to the Chairman and the directors isn't it? While I'm in charge, I'll do my best. The support I've had from the boardroom has been magnificent.
"Football's a transitional sport. These days players come and go, managers come and go and even owners come and go. The one thing that stays is the football club and its supporters."
And Cotterill believes the club have what it takes to reach the Premier League. He said:
"It just needs all the ingredients to drop into place at the right time. Whether I'm part of those ingredients, you never know, but the city can host a Premier League club. The city's fantastic. There's well over half a million people here, there will be a brilliant new stadium by the end of next season, so why not?"
Coventry boss Tony Mowbray was delighted with the point that eased his club's relegation worries, but paid tribute to Cotterill and his team. He said:
"They warrant being champions by going out against teams and attacking. I could see a well coached team in front of my eyes. They've got a system and style of play that's very brave."
Walsall 1 Fleetwood Town 0
Tom Bradshaw hit the goal trail again before making a case for the defence.
Bradshaw's stop-start season has been interrupted by several hamstring injuries, but he hit his seventeenth goal of the season to ease Walsall's relegation worries before saying:
"I think that we've now kept twenty clean sheets which is an incredible performance at any level. If you add up the points they've earned us, they're every bit as important as my goals.
"I set a target of fifteen for the season and would like to reach twenty now, but you shouldn't underestimate how well we've defended this season."
Wales U-21 striker Bradshaw, 22, has only played 24 league games this season due to four hamstring injuries, but will be working with Saddlers' physio Jon Whitney this summer to resolve the issue. He said:
"It's something I have to strengthen. Whits has been great to get me back four times, he really has and its massively appreciated. We have a plan to sort it out this summer so hopefully it's something we can nip in the bud."
Walsall boss Dean Smith was delighted with Bradshaw's contribution and said:
"We're not just a one-man team - but we're a better team when he's in it, there's no doubt about that. His injuries have been frustrating for all of us but we`re just glad that we've got him here."
Fleetwood manager Graham Alexander has not given up on a play-off berth, but was disappointed his side had not taken something from the game. He groaned:
"We should have seen the game out and been happy with a point, and I guess that’s been our achilles heel this season. Bradshaw’s found half a yard and it was a good finish from a striker who has scored lots of goals."
Bradshaw's stop-start season has been interrupted by several hamstring injuries, but he hit his seventeenth goal of the season to ease Walsall's relegation worries before saying:
"I think that we've now kept twenty clean sheets which is an incredible performance at any level. If you add up the points they've earned us, they're every bit as important as my goals.
"I set a target of fifteen for the season and would like to reach twenty now, but you shouldn't underestimate how well we've defended this season."
Wales U-21 striker Bradshaw, 22, has only played 24 league games this season due to four hamstring injuries, but will be working with Saddlers' physio Jon Whitney this summer to resolve the issue. He said:
"It's something I have to strengthen. Whits has been great to get me back four times, he really has and its massively appreciated. We have a plan to sort it out this summer so hopefully it's something we can nip in the bud."
Walsall boss Dean Smith was delighted with Bradshaw's contribution and said:
"We're not just a one-man team - but we're a better team when he's in it, there's no doubt about that. His injuries have been frustrating for all of us but we`re just glad that we've got him here."
Fleetwood manager Graham Alexander has not given up on a play-off berth, but was disappointed his side had not taken something from the game. He groaned:
"We should have seen the game out and been happy with a point, and I guess that’s been our achilles heel this season. Bradshaw’s found half a yard and it was a good finish from a striker who has scored lots of goals."
Cheltenham Town 0 Stevenage 1
Super-sub Ben Kennedy eased Boro into the play-offs and piled the pressure on relegation threatened Cheltenham.
Northern Ireland U-19 striker Kennedy stroked in his fourth goal of the campaign from the spot in the 78th minute after he had been clumsily bundled over by defender Jack Deaman.
Boro manager boss Graham Weston said:
"On the balance of chances we deserved it and their goal lived a very charmed life. We're eleven unbeaten in twelve and have improved as the season has gone on."
Robins keeper Trevor Carson put on a super show with a string of top class saves.
In the ninth minute Carson did well to palm behind a shot at his near post from left winger Dave Martin and then acrobatically tipped over midfielder Dean Wells header from the resulting corner.
Minutes later Carson needed midfielder Joe Hanks to clear a Simon Walton header off the line before he dived to turn a fourteen yard effort from right back Chris Whelpdale past his upright as Boro peppered his goal.
Stevenage could have lost their own stopper in the eighteenth minute when Chris Day raced out and floored wide man Shaquille McDonald with his arm.
Cheltenham started the second half brightly and full back Craig Braham-Barrett rifled a low shot against the post from the edge of the box thirty seconds after the restart before central defender Will Packwood nodded narrowly wide three minutes later.
Carson was back in action in the 70th minute when he dived to push away a vicious twelve yard goal bound strike by substitute Bruno Andrade.
And he stopped Kennedy from netting a brace by blocking a close range injury time shot minutes after substitute Roarie Deacon had rattled the outside of his post.
New boss Gary Johnson has now overseen two defeats since taking control at bottom club Cheltenham last week and he fumed:
"We had twenty shots to their seven and so a few of them have had a few home truths from me. They know how I feel. They have to grow up very quickly and become more professional."
Northern Ireland U-19 striker Kennedy stroked in his fourth goal of the campaign from the spot in the 78th minute after he had been clumsily bundled over by defender Jack Deaman.
Boro manager boss Graham Weston said:
"On the balance of chances we deserved it and their goal lived a very charmed life. We're eleven unbeaten in twelve and have improved as the season has gone on."
Robins keeper Trevor Carson put on a super show with a string of top class saves.
In the ninth minute Carson did well to palm behind a shot at his near post from left winger Dave Martin and then acrobatically tipped over midfielder Dean Wells header from the resulting corner.
Minutes later Carson needed midfielder Joe Hanks to clear a Simon Walton header off the line before he dived to turn a fourteen yard effort from right back Chris Whelpdale past his upright as Boro peppered his goal.
Stevenage could have lost their own stopper in the eighteenth minute when Chris Day raced out and floored wide man Shaquille McDonald with his arm.
Cheltenham started the second half brightly and full back Craig Braham-Barrett rifled a low shot against the post from the edge of the box thirty seconds after the restart before central defender Will Packwood nodded narrowly wide three minutes later.
Carson was back in action in the 70th minute when he dived to push away a vicious twelve yard goal bound strike by substitute Bruno Andrade.
And he stopped Kennedy from netting a brace by blocking a close range injury time shot minutes after substitute Roarie Deacon had rattled the outside of his post.
New boss Gary Johnson has now overseen two defeats since taking control at bottom club Cheltenham last week and he fumed:
"We had twenty shots to their seven and so a few of them have had a few home truths from me. They know how I feel. They have to grow up very quickly and become more professional."
Walsall 0 Notts County 0
Roy Carroll and his woodwork kept County in with hopes of survival - and left Jordan Cook cursing his luck.
Winger Cook should have had a hat trick in two second half minutes.
In the 66th minute midfielder Romaine Sawyers cut the ball back from the byline, but 37-year old former Manchester United keeper Carroll turned back the years to claw away Cook's point blank strike.
Cook then hooked header from James Chambers onto the post from six yards before drilling a shot from the same distance against the bar.
County were left in the drop zone, but caretaker boss Paul Hart said:
"We've got to think we can do it. I'm not a prophet, but I think both these teams deserve to stay up.
"I thought our keeper was excellent. That's what he's there for, but he showed great levels of desire and fitness."
Cook should have put Walsall two goals up in the first five minutes.
After only 29 seconds defender Haydn Hollis misjudged the bounce of the ball and Cook nipped into the right side of the box to lob Carroll, but saw his effort fly inches wide of the far post.
Hollis then produced another gaffe when he misplaced a pass on the edge of the area, but Cook dragged his low shot wide from the same position.
Walsall are now only three points above the relegation places, but boss Dean Smith said:
"We're in a better position than eight other teams around us, but it's about what we do. Two more wins should see us safe. It's always an opportunity missed when you have that many chances."
"The only thing missing was composure in front of goal and maybe better finishing. We can't buy goals at the moment, but we're getting in the right positions."
Winger Cook should have had a hat trick in two second half minutes.
In the 66th minute midfielder Romaine Sawyers cut the ball back from the byline, but 37-year old former Manchester United keeper Carroll turned back the years to claw away Cook's point blank strike.
Cook then hooked header from James Chambers onto the post from six yards before drilling a shot from the same distance against the bar.
County were left in the drop zone, but caretaker boss Paul Hart said:
"We've got to think we can do it. I'm not a prophet, but I think both these teams deserve to stay up.
"I thought our keeper was excellent. That's what he's there for, but he showed great levels of desire and fitness."
Cook should have put Walsall two goals up in the first five minutes.
After only 29 seconds defender Haydn Hollis misjudged the bounce of the ball and Cook nipped into the right side of the box to lob Carroll, but saw his effort fly inches wide of the far post.
Hollis then produced another gaffe when he misplaced a pass on the edge of the area, but Cook dragged his low shot wide from the same position.
Walsall are now only three points above the relegation places, but boss Dean Smith said:
"We're in a better position than eight other teams around us, but it's about what we do. Two more wins should see us safe. It's always an opportunity missed when you have that many chances."
"The only thing missing was composure in front of goal and maybe better finishing. We can't buy goals at the moment, but we're getting in the right positions."
Cheltenham Town 0 Plymouth Argyle 3
Zak Ansah will be digging out his contract to see whether a Wembley date is on the cards.
Former Arsenal youth prospect Ansah, 20, took only ten minutes to nod in a goal on his debut after coming off the bench, but the Charlton loanee striker admitted he was unsure whether he will be involved if Plymouth stay in play-off contention. He said:
"I only signed on Wednesday night, trained for ninety minutes on Friday and so hadn't really thought about it. I'll have to take a look now. I'm just really pleased to have scored and won in my first game. It's got to be the best feeling I've ever had."
Argyle boss John Sheridan was delighted with Ansah and said:
"He joined up with us on Friday and he had two great strikes, scored one and he is a very intelligent footballer, which you'd expect from Arsenal."
Reuben Reid, 26, scored a brace to move Plymouth into the play-off places before revealing that fatherhood has made him focus more on his game. He explained:
"I wasn't too clever at the start of my career. My kids are two and years old and have helped me settle down. I'm on a nine-to-five shift now, doing things properly and trying to give myself the best possible opportunity.
"When I was about nineteen Ian Holloway told me he hoped the penny would drop before it was too late. Hopefully it's not. I wasn't living right. There were too many late nights and long drives to training from Bristol where I lived. I wasn't looking after myself.
"I've settled down in Plymouth now and stopped bickering with people as well. I guess I grew up."
Cheltenham manager Russell Milton looked ahead to Good Friday's relegation battle at York after watching his team sink to the bottom of the table, but said:
"I don't think anyone can feel their place is safe. I said to them to make my decision hard for Friday. It's not going to be as hard as it could've been."
Meanwhile it announced via its website on Saturday evening that Wales Under-21 international Eliot Richards is to undergo treatment for testicular cancer.
Former Bristol Rovers striker Richards, 23, signed from Tranmere on an eighteen month deal in February and appeared as a half-time substitute against Plymouth.
Richards' diagnosis comes a month after Newcastle United midfielder Jonas Gutierrez made his return to action after treatment for testicular cancer.
Former Millwall striker - and current boss - Neil Harris have also made a full recovery after being diagnosed with the illness.
The club statement read:
"Cheltenham Town player Eliot Richards has this week been diagnosed with testicular cancer.
The appropriate treatment has been arranged, which will include surgery early next week.
The club will of course ensure that every assistance is offered to Eliot and his family to help them through this difficult time.
Testicular cancer is not common but each year around 2,300 men in the UK will be diagnosed. It usually affects younger men and, thankfully, is one of the most treatable types of cancer with over 95% of men being completely cured if diagnosed early enough.
Regular self-examination of the testicles is recommended for all men. Any persisting ache or the appearance of a lump or swelling should be brought promptly to the attention of your GP, as Eliot did.
In due course we expect Eliot to make a full recovery. In the meantime we know that all Cheltenham supporters will want to join us in wishing Eliot and his family well in the days and weeks ahead."
Former Arsenal youth prospect Ansah, 20, took only ten minutes to nod in a goal on his debut after coming off the bench, but the Charlton loanee striker admitted he was unsure whether he will be involved if Plymouth stay in play-off contention. He said:
"I only signed on Wednesday night, trained for ninety minutes on Friday and so hadn't really thought about it. I'll have to take a look now. I'm just really pleased to have scored and won in my first game. It's got to be the best feeling I've ever had."
Argyle boss John Sheridan was delighted with Ansah and said:
"He joined up with us on Friday and he had two great strikes, scored one and he is a very intelligent footballer, which you'd expect from Arsenal."
Reuben Reid, 26, scored a brace to move Plymouth into the play-off places before revealing that fatherhood has made him focus more on his game. He explained:
"I wasn't too clever at the start of my career. My kids are two and years old and have helped me settle down. I'm on a nine-to-five shift now, doing things properly and trying to give myself the best possible opportunity.
"When I was about nineteen Ian Holloway told me he hoped the penny would drop before it was too late. Hopefully it's not. I wasn't living right. There were too many late nights and long drives to training from Bristol where I lived. I wasn't looking after myself.
"I've settled down in Plymouth now and stopped bickering with people as well. I guess I grew up."
Cheltenham manager Russell Milton looked ahead to Good Friday's relegation battle at York after watching his team sink to the bottom of the table, but said:
"I don't think anyone can feel their place is safe. I said to them to make my decision hard for Friday. It's not going to be as hard as it could've been."
Meanwhile it announced via its website on Saturday evening that Wales Under-21 international Eliot Richards is to undergo treatment for testicular cancer.
Former Bristol Rovers striker Richards, 23, signed from Tranmere on an eighteen month deal in February and appeared as a half-time substitute against Plymouth.
Richards' diagnosis comes a month after Newcastle United midfielder Jonas Gutierrez made his return to action after treatment for testicular cancer.
Former Millwall striker - and current boss - Neil Harris have also made a full recovery after being diagnosed with the illness.
The club statement read:
"Cheltenham Town player Eliot Richards has this week been diagnosed with testicular cancer.
The appropriate treatment has been arranged, which will include surgery early next week.
The club will of course ensure that every assistance is offered to Eliot and his family to help them through this difficult time.
Testicular cancer is not common but each year around 2,300 men in the UK will be diagnosed. It usually affects younger men and, thankfully, is one of the most treatable types of cancer with over 95% of men being completely cured if diagnosed early enough.
Regular self-examination of the testicles is recommended for all men. Any persisting ache or the appearance of a lump or swelling should be brought promptly to the attention of your GP, as Eliot did.
In due course we expect Eliot to make a full recovery. In the meantime we know that all Cheltenham supporters will want to join us in wishing Eliot and his family well in the days and weeks ahead."
Cheltenham Town 1 Exeter 2
Graham Cummins provided the knock out blow before having a humorous dig at his flatmate.
Cummins shares a home with keeper James Hamon who was withdrawn during the warm up with a suspected broken nose and concussion on the advice of the Exeter physio.
But after scoring a late winner Cummins joked:
"As far as Hammy goes, it couldn't have made him look any worse to be fair. He just took a ball to the face before the game."
But Cummins, 27, thinks that the Grecians play-off hopes might still be alive after an up and down season. He said:
"We kind of blew it at the start, then came back into it and blew it again. A couple of weeks ago we probably thought 'that's it, we'll just play and enjoy the end of the season'. I don't think there's any pressure on us because we were so far behind.
"A win next week could make April a massive month and a great end to the season."
And Cummins revealed that turning into Mr. Angry might just have spurred him on.
Substitute Tom McCready and co-striker David Wheeler failed to tee him up earlier in the game to add to Tom Nichols first half opener and Cummins admitted:
"I don't get angry much. I don't like getting angry with people, but maybe I should congratulate Dave and Tom for getting me a bit wound up."
Exeter manager Paul Tisdale revealed his whole squad appreciated Cummins effort. He said:
"Graham got a round of applause from the lads in the dugout and then from everyone in the dressing room which was nice."
Central defender Jordan Moore-Taylor turned the ball into his own net in the 89th minute to set up a nervy finish, but Cheltenham boss Russell Milton said:
"It wasn't a must win game. There are still eight games to go and 24 points to play for."
Cummins shares a home with keeper James Hamon who was withdrawn during the warm up with a suspected broken nose and concussion on the advice of the Exeter physio.
But after scoring a late winner Cummins joked:
"As far as Hammy goes, it couldn't have made him look any worse to be fair. He just took a ball to the face before the game."
But Cummins, 27, thinks that the Grecians play-off hopes might still be alive after an up and down season. He said:
"We kind of blew it at the start, then came back into it and blew it again. A couple of weeks ago we probably thought 'that's it, we'll just play and enjoy the end of the season'. I don't think there's any pressure on us because we were so far behind.
"A win next week could make April a massive month and a great end to the season."
And Cummins revealed that turning into Mr. Angry might just have spurred him on.
Substitute Tom McCready and co-striker David Wheeler failed to tee him up earlier in the game to add to Tom Nichols first half opener and Cummins admitted:
"I don't get angry much. I don't like getting angry with people, but maybe I should congratulate Dave and Tom for getting me a bit wound up."
Exeter manager Paul Tisdale revealed his whole squad appreciated Cummins effort. He said:
"Graham got a round of applause from the lads in the dugout and then from everyone in the dressing room which was nice."
Central defender Jordan Moore-Taylor turned the ball into his own net in the 89th minute to set up a nervy finish, but Cheltenham boss Russell Milton said:
"It wasn't a must win game. There are still eight games to go and 24 points to play for."
Walsall 1 MK Dons 1
Sam Mantom has set his sights on Wembley glory after finally putting months of misery behind him.
Mantom, 23, made his first start since suffering knee ligament damage last May as Walsall held the promotion chasing Dons and the midfielder now hopes to play in next Sunday's Johnstone's Paint Trophy final against Bristol City. He admitted:
"It has been the toughest time of my life. Our physio Jon Whitney has kept me going and worked with me in the gym long after everyone else has gone home. We've used the final as motivation.
"When the lads beat Preston to get there I was standing on the sidelines with my crutches not knowing whether to laugh or cry. I didn't know what was going to happen.
"In the darkest days it was a slog coming in, but some of the more experienced players like the Chambers brothers kept me going and have been absolutely brilliant. I can't thank them enough."
But Mantom revealed his return to action just before the Wembley trip has not gone unnoticed by joking team mates. He said:
"When they found out I was playing in a reserve game last week the banter started. Richard O'Donnell and Andy Taylor were giving me grief about my timing, but it's great to be involved in that sort of stuff again."
Striker Tom Bradshaw gave the Saddlers the lead and former Walsall hit man Will Grigg levelled before the break.
Dons manager Karl Robinson was furious with the officials for not giving his side a first half penalty, but said:
"There are still so many positives to take from the game. It's a tick in the box in the right direction."
Walsall boss Dean Smith said:
"Without the ball, you have to be very good in this league and we were. We restricted a team that is usually free-scoring to a few efforts."
Mantom, 23, made his first start since suffering knee ligament damage last May as Walsall held the promotion chasing Dons and the midfielder now hopes to play in next Sunday's Johnstone's Paint Trophy final against Bristol City. He admitted:
"It has been the toughest time of my life. Our physio Jon Whitney has kept me going and worked with me in the gym long after everyone else has gone home. We've used the final as motivation.
"When the lads beat Preston to get there I was standing on the sidelines with my crutches not knowing whether to laugh or cry. I didn't know what was going to happen.
"In the darkest days it was a slog coming in, but some of the more experienced players like the Chambers brothers kept me going and have been absolutely brilliant. I can't thank them enough."
But Mantom revealed his return to action just before the Wembley trip has not gone unnoticed by joking team mates. He said:
"When they found out I was playing in a reserve game last week the banter started. Richard O'Donnell and Andy Taylor were giving me grief about my timing, but it's great to be involved in that sort of stuff again."
Striker Tom Bradshaw gave the Saddlers the lead and former Walsall hit man Will Grigg levelled before the break.
Dons manager Karl Robinson was furious with the officials for not giving his side a first half penalty, but said:
"There are still so many positives to take from the game. It's a tick in the box in the right direction."
Walsall boss Dean Smith said:
"Without the ball, you have to be very good in this league and we were. We restricted a team that is usually free-scoring to a few efforts."
Cheltenham Town 1 Mansfield Town 1
Billy Kee is following orders from Scunthorpe and it's paying dividends for Mansfield.
Striker Kee, 24, came off the bench to earn the Stags a valuable point and ease their relegation worries before revealing:
"I'd had some some injuries and personal issues which have been sorted out now, so Scunthorpe just told me to go to out on loan, get some games under my belt, score goals and enjoy myself. I'm definitely doing that.
"I'd love to go back and be successful, but at the moment I'm focussed on the job I have to do for Mansfield. We have lads here who were in the play-off last season and the good thing is that we're able to bounce back if we have a bad result. No-one lets their heads drop in this squad."
Mansfield manager Adam Murray said:
"We hit our goals for February and the players have raised the bar for March which shows confidence and optimism. Our main aim remains to stay in the League."
Meanwhile Danny Haynes is hoping to repay Cheltenham and his best mate for bringing him in from the cold.
Former Charlton striker Haynes, 27, was released by Notts County in January and played his first full game of the season thanks to Robins full back Craig Braham-Barrett. Haynes explained:
"I've know Craig since we were about thirteen. He told the gaffer I didn't have a club and so Cheltenham gave me a lifeline last week. Nothing would give me more pleasure than to do my bit and help them stay up."
Winger Wes Burns scored the opener for Cheltenham just after the break and boss Russell Milton was pleased to see his side move out of the drop zone. He said:
"We lost momentum a bit, but came back into at the end."
Striker Kee, 24, came off the bench to earn the Stags a valuable point and ease their relegation worries before revealing:
"I'd had some some injuries and personal issues which have been sorted out now, so Scunthorpe just told me to go to out on loan, get some games under my belt, score goals and enjoy myself. I'm definitely doing that.
"I'd love to go back and be successful, but at the moment I'm focussed on the job I have to do for Mansfield. We have lads here who were in the play-off last season and the good thing is that we're able to bounce back if we have a bad result. No-one lets their heads drop in this squad."
Mansfield manager Adam Murray said:
"We hit our goals for February and the players have raised the bar for March which shows confidence and optimism. Our main aim remains to stay in the League."
Meanwhile Danny Haynes is hoping to repay Cheltenham and his best mate for bringing him in from the cold.
Former Charlton striker Haynes, 27, was released by Notts County in January and played his first full game of the season thanks to Robins full back Craig Braham-Barrett. Haynes explained:
"I've know Craig since we were about thirteen. He told the gaffer I didn't have a club and so Cheltenham gave me a lifeline last week. Nothing would give me more pleasure than to do my bit and help them stay up."
Winger Wes Burns scored the opener for Cheltenham just after the break and boss Russell Milton was pleased to see his side move out of the drop zone. He said:
"We lost momentum a bit, but came back into at the end."
Bristol City 1 Rochdale 0
Aaron Wilbraham dished out another pizza magic as promotion favourites City try to get pasta finish line.
Striker Wilbraham, 35, served up his fifteenth goal of the season with a superb glancing header before revealing the players' dinner dates are whetting appetites for the title at Ashton Gate. He explained:
"We're a tight knit group and have got into the habit of going to an Italian restaurant before home games. At the start of the season we went out and Aden Flint scored so we thought we'll go again. We went the next week and Greg Cunningham scored. Then Matt Smith scored after coming last week and so he made us go on Friday and now I've scored. It seems like every time we've done it someone scores, so we don't want to change it. It's become a bit of a superstition."
Wilbraham won promotion to the Premier League with Norwich and Crystal Palace, but says this season is set to eclipse anything else he has achieved in the game. He said:
"If anything, I've felt more involved this season. I'm not saying we're going to get promoted by any means as there's a long way to go. We're in a good position though and if we were to win the league and the Johnstone's Paint Trophy at Wembley in a few weeks, it would probably be my best achievement."
Keeper Frank Fielding, 26, also pointed to the close bond among the City squad as a reason for their successful season so far. He said:
"Team spirit's there in abundance and it's the best I've ever known it. That started in pre-season in Africa and carried on from there. It's really quite special to be honest. We go out for meals and coffees and everyone just enjoys everyone else's company."
Robins manager Steve Cotterill said:
"We're focussed on crossing the line. We don't want to give it up."
Dale boss Keith Hill groaned:
"We've come away with nothing other than a little pride in our performance."
Striker Wilbraham, 35, served up his fifteenth goal of the season with a superb glancing header before revealing the players' dinner dates are whetting appetites for the title at Ashton Gate. He explained:
"We're a tight knit group and have got into the habit of going to an Italian restaurant before home games. At the start of the season we went out and Aden Flint scored so we thought we'll go again. We went the next week and Greg Cunningham scored. Then Matt Smith scored after coming last week and so he made us go on Friday and now I've scored. It seems like every time we've done it someone scores, so we don't want to change it. It's become a bit of a superstition."
Wilbraham won promotion to the Premier League with Norwich and Crystal Palace, but says this season is set to eclipse anything else he has achieved in the game. He said:
"If anything, I've felt more involved this season. I'm not saying we're going to get promoted by any means as there's a long way to go. We're in a good position though and if we were to win the league and the Johnstone's Paint Trophy at Wembley in a few weeks, it would probably be my best achievement."
Keeper Frank Fielding, 26, also pointed to the close bond among the City squad as a reason for their successful season so far. He said:
"Team spirit's there in abundance and it's the best I've ever known it. That started in pre-season in Africa and carried on from there. It's really quite special to be honest. We go out for meals and coffees and everyone just enjoys everyone else's company."
Robins manager Steve Cotterill said:
"We're focussed on crossing the line. We don't want to give it up."
Dale boss Keith Hill groaned:
"We've come away with nothing other than a little pride in our performance."
Oxford United 3 Mansfield Town 0
Alex MacDonald's double eased Oxford's relegation worries and dragged the Stags into the mire.
Winger MacDonald opened the scoring in the 31st minute with his first goal since signing from Burton two weeks ago.
Keeper Lee Pidgeley flapped at a cross from right back George Baldock when under pressure from striker Pat Hoban and MacDonald pounced to stroke the ball in from four yards at the far post.
MacDonald claimed his second in the 54th minute.
Callum O'Dowda caused chaos in the Mansfield box when he cut in from the left to tee up fellow midfielder Michael Collins, but when his shot was blocked, MacDonald drilled in the rebound from fourteen yards.
Delighted Us boss Michael Appleton said:
"It wasn't pretty at times, but there was quality in the final third and there was a real focus in training this week."
And Appleton was especially pleased for new boy MacDonald. He said:
"He's an infectious person to have around and we knew he had goals in him."
Striker Danny Hylton added a penalty in the 63rd minute.
Central defender Ryan Tafazolli scythed down striker Pat Hoban in the box and Hylton scored his 15th goal of the season.
Disappointed Mansfield manager Adam Murray claimed:
"The effort the lads have put into the last two games was there for all to see today. I'm not sure if it was fatigue. We've played some really good football in the last two months - today was some of the worst. We move on."
MacDonald came close to grabbing another goal in the 50th minute with a low 25 yard strike that Pidgeley did well to turn past his upright at full stretch.
And Hylton should have netted a brace himself, but he lashed a pass from defender Sam Long wide with the goal begging.
Winger MacDonald opened the scoring in the 31st minute with his first goal since signing from Burton two weeks ago.
Keeper Lee Pidgeley flapped at a cross from right back George Baldock when under pressure from striker Pat Hoban and MacDonald pounced to stroke the ball in from four yards at the far post.
MacDonald claimed his second in the 54th minute.
Callum O'Dowda caused chaos in the Mansfield box when he cut in from the left to tee up fellow midfielder Michael Collins, but when his shot was blocked, MacDonald drilled in the rebound from fourteen yards.
Delighted Us boss Michael Appleton said:
"It wasn't pretty at times, but there was quality in the final third and there was a real focus in training this week."
And Appleton was especially pleased for new boy MacDonald. He said:
"He's an infectious person to have around and we knew he had goals in him."
Striker Danny Hylton added a penalty in the 63rd minute.
Central defender Ryan Tafazolli scythed down striker Pat Hoban in the box and Hylton scored his 15th goal of the season.
Disappointed Mansfield manager Adam Murray claimed:
"The effort the lads have put into the last two games was there for all to see today. I'm not sure if it was fatigue. We've played some really good football in the last two months - today was some of the worst. We move on."
MacDonald came close to grabbing another goal in the 50th minute with a low 25 yard strike that Pidgeley did well to turn past his upright at full stretch.
And Hylton should have netted a brace himself, but he lashed a pass from defender Sam Long wide with the goal begging.
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