Mansfield Town eased their relegation fears with a tight 2-1 home win over Dagenham and Redbridge thanks to man-of-the-match Junior Brown’s late winner.

Brown hammered in an unstoppable finish seven minutes from time after crossing for Reggie Lambe’s 46th minute opener and also creating further second-half chances for the unlucky Vadaine Oliver.

Veteran striker Jamie Cureton’s 250th League goal looked to have denied the Stags the win that eventually leapfrogged them over Dagenham.

Afterwards manager Adam Murray called on the home fans to be more vocal for the whole 90 minutes.

“I am over the moon. It was a massive three points.

“It wasn’t the prettiest of games. It was a horrible first half. We had a galeforce wind in our faces and couldn’t get out our half.

“I tore into them and asked for certain ingredients at half-time and I got that. We came out and showed the great team spirit we have got.

“Everyone in the ground was on edge and that rubbed off on the lads. But they gave me everything I asked of
them.

“There was an eerie feeling about the place today. There was a real anxiety.

“At half-time I asked for someone to kick-start us and we got the goal and that kicked us on.

“I know some people in football are not very patient and at times today the ground was silent. When that happens all you can hear are the negative things which is disappointing.

“At the end the lads were saying what a difference it made for them when the fans started making noise.

“We need that from the first minute, though I know it’s easier when we are on top. But they pushed us over the line in the end and I thank them for that again.

“Now I would like to put this away form to bed as it is doing my nut in at the minute.”