Nigel Clough was delighted with League Two leaders Mansfield’s fast start as they crushed Bradford 5-1 at Valley Parade.
The Stags scored four goals before half-time to bounce back in style from a midweek loss to Tranmere.
Manager Clough said: “It was an outstanding performance, result, the goals, everything.
“I was a bit disappointed we conceded one because I didn’t think we deserved to. It was a little scruffy goal but you’ll take 5-1 all day long.
“Ironically, I thought we created more chances in the second half than the first. It was just some outstanding saves from their goalkeeper prevented Will Swan from picking up a hat-trick.
“We were positive and got out the blocks. We were aware after they were defeated here the other night if we could get an early goal or two, it would be uncomfortable with the crowd.
“We’ve tried to do it from the first day at Crewe when we scored two in the first 15 minutes.
“We’ve set out our stall this season. It’s not always worked but it was important to react today and I think it speaks an awful lot about the character of the players.
“On the back of a defeat with nine games to go and it’s a bit nervy and edgy, we can go out and play like that.”
Baily Cargill headed the first from Stephen Quinn’s free-kick before both were involved in the second goal for Lucas Akins.
Davis Keillor-Dunn made it 3-0 after just 18 minutes and set up Will Swan in first-half stoppage time.
Former Stag Andy Cook pulled one back before substitute Aaron Lewis scored Mansfield’s fifth.
Bradford manager Graham Alexander said: “They were extremely ruthless with us but we certainly played a part with helping them do that.
“We can look at the quality they have and they’ve proved it over a few seasons – and certainly this one. The stats tell you they are the highest-scoring team and have got the best defence.
“But we certainly weren’t at a level, after the first 10 minutes, to be able to compete and stop them scoring. They are very physical and just overpowered us.
“They are a benchmark for what we have to try and become if we want to be a successful team at this level.
“Nigel’s been there three or four years and gradually built up a really strong team. This season it’s come together.
“But that’s to be at the top of the table. We don’t have to get to that level to make it a potentially successful season.
“You don’t have to be that good to finish seventh. But, let’s be honest, we’re not going to finish anywhere near that if we compete like that again.”
Man United could be without Toone until new year, says Skinner
Marc Skinner revealed that Manchester United could be without midfielder Ella Toone until the new year after she picked up a calf injury in training.
Toone has featured in five games in the Women's Super League this season, but is yet to register a goal or an assist so far this term.
The 25-year-old has missed United's last two games and was not selected in Sarina Wiegman's England squad for their upcoming friendlies against the United States and Switzerland.
She had previously appeared in a staggering 96 straight matches before missing United's WSL showdown with Leicester City last weekend.
But ahead of the Red Devils' meeting with league leaders Chelsea on Sunday, Skinner confirmed they would be without Toone for not only that game, but for the foreseeable future.
"We have three games [after the international break and before Christmas]. There's always the hope, but I think you balance and you go, 'right, if we can get her back, we get her back'," Skinner said.
"But we're just not going to rush her in this moment because it's a calf injury, it's your running mechanism. If we injure the running mechanism, it takes longer.
"So ideally we'd like her back for those games afterwards.
"The projection is she misses this game [Chelsea], she misses the international window, probably misses the first game after that, and then we'll see from there.
"But because it is such a short block of only three games, we'll assess whether it's worth that or actually resetting to come back after Christmas."
Al-Nassr 1-2 Al-Qadsiah: Aubameyang winner ends hosts' unbeaten run
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang hit the winner as Al-Qadsiah inflicted a 2-1 defeat on Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League on Friday to end their 21-match unbeaten run.
Cristiano Ronaldo's seventh league goal of the season put Al-Nassr ahead, but Al-Qadsiah replied swiftly through Julian Quinones before Aubameyang struck the decisive blow.
The hosts drew first blood in the 32nd minute when Ronaldo slotted home after Al-Qadsiah goalkeeper Koen Casteels had spilled a routine catch from Talisca's cross.
However, Al-Nassr's joy was short-lived when Quinones brought down Turki Al Ammar's delivery five minutes later, with the Mexcio winger firing past Bento to level the scores.
Quinones also played a part in the winning goal after brilliantly turning the ball back across goal from Nahitan Nandez's search pass to tee up a simple finish for Aubameyang.
The result sees Al-Qadsiah move level on 22 points with third-placed Al-Nassr, with Al-Shabab also level with them.
Stefano Pioli's Al-Nassr are six points adrift of defending champions and leaders Al-Hilal, who also have a game in hand.
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