 Holmes' (right) wonder strike clinched victory (Pic: Getty) |
Boss Billy Dearden led the praise for Ian Holmes after the stand-in striker helped Mansfield secure a shock 2-1 win at League One Brighton in the FA Cup. Holmes, only playing because of the hamstring injury to top scorer Michael Boulding, scored the winner.
And Dearden told BBC Radio Nottingham: "You wouldn't see a better goal in this round of matches.
"What really pleased me was that, with several key men out, the players came here and produced a lot of good stuff."
 | It's important to emphasise that we haven't just snatched victory - we fully deserved the win Mansfield boss Billy Dearden |
It means that Mansfield, 91st in the League, are now the lowest-ranked side definitely through to round four.
Havant & Waterlooville are the only remaining non-league side in Monday's fourth round draw, but must negotiate a third-round replay against Swansea.
Dearden is hoping that Saturday's Withdean wonders can now reproduce that sort of performance in a few more of their 24 remaining league matches.
"It showed what we're capable of," said the Stags boss. "But it's important we translate this cup form into our league programme.
"We've got a lot to do, starting with a match against Wycombe at home on Tuesday.
"And it's important to emphasise that we haven't just snatched victory.
"We fully deserved the win. It's a boost to the town and hopefully one or two new players may now be encouraged to join us."
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