Will Evans says he enjoyed his brace against Northampton Town on Saturday more than his goal against Arsenal in the FA Cup.
Evans left the One Call Stadium frustrated he did not complete a hat-trick performance after missing a big opportunity late in the game but his double helped Stags earn a convincing three points heading into their upcoming break. Lucas Akins also notched two goals for himself as Stags’ unbeaten league run continues for a sixth game.
“The header, for sure I should have been putting that in. I haven’t scored a hat-trick in the professional game so that one stung a little bit,” Evans reflected on his performance. Despite missing a huge chance to take home the match ball, he was pleased with his efforts and the overall performance from the Stags.
Will Evans celebrates during the Sky Bet League 1 match against Northampton Town FC at the One Call Stadium, 21 Mar 2026, Photo credit Chris & Jeanette Holloway / The Bigger Picture.mediaplaceholder image
Will Evans celebrates during the Sky Bet League 1 match against Northampton Town FC at the One Call Stadium, 21 Mar 2026, Photo credit Chris & Jeanette Holloway / The Bigger Picture.media
“I needed that personally but today was all about the three points. We’ve done well to turn the losses into draws from last year but now it’s about converting the draws into wins and today had to be a win.
“A couple of early goals in each half probably settled us down quite well but Northampton are a threat, they’re down there fighting for their lives. When they scored after we made it 3-0, it can potentially be quite a nervy last 15-20 minutes but Lucas sealed the deal.”
Evans’ brace takes his tally to eight League One goals so far this season and 11 across all competitions. His growing count included two influential goals in Stags’ historic FA Cup run – one against Accrington Stanley and another to net an equaliser against Arsenal.
“I probably enjoyed the two goals today more than the Arsenal one, just because the league is so important to the club, to myself and the players, to everyone involved. The FA Cup was a great day out for everyone but confirming our League One status is the most important thing.”
Reflecting on Akins’ performance, Evans continued: “He was brilliant. For myself and Rhys [Oates], I think we used him as a target, played some balls in and around him, played off him, and he deserved his two goals. I thought he was absolutely outstanding today. His energy right until that final minute, I think you could probably tell we were both on our knees by then, that just sums him up as a bloke.”
Nigel Clough stresses Stags must bank as many points as possible
Stags’ win over Northampton takes them to 49 points but Nigel Clough believes his side will need more than 50 to guarantee their safety.
“50 points won’t be enough. I’ve had a glance at the league table and I think we could need 52, 53. I don’t think you can rule anybody out and you want to get as many points on the board as we can and certainly try to improve on last season,” the manager said at full-time.
Stags finished last season with 54 points, so they have plenty of time to better that tally in the remaining games if this unbeaten streak continues.
“I didn’t think it was a good first half but the second half was better and showed a little bit more what we are about. Scored three good goals in the second half and we maybe could have had another one or two,” Clough reflected.
Continue Reading