Rhys Oates enjoys getting on the score-sheet in FA Cup fixtures and Mansfield Town’s win over Macclesfield was no different.
The striker played a big part in Stags’ win on Saturday to take them into the second round of the tournament but he was not originally down to start the match.
Rhys Oates during the Emirates FA Cup first round, Mansfield Town FC v Macclesfield Town FC, One Call Stadium, 07 Nov 2026. Photo credit Chris & Jeanette Holloway, The Bigger Picture.media
Nigel Clough made a late switch to his starting 11 after Louis Reed picked up an issue with his hip during the warm-up. Oates said he was given ‘five minutes’ notice’ before kick-off that he would be starting against Macclesfield but he was well prepared and ready for the task.
“Games like that prove you always have to be ready, whether you’re starting or on the bench, because you never know what’s going to happen during the warm-up,” he said at full-time.
Oates put in a superb shift, working hard in attack to create Stags’ first goal with a powerful run out wide, and then score his own in the second half.
The striker’s goal was well-deserved after his efforts and he went home with the Man of the Match award.
Oates was a crucial figure in Mansfield Town’s stunning FA Cup run last season. With a goal and an assist against Sheffield United, followed by a goal at Turf Moor against Burnley, the 31-year-old was key in Stags reaching the fifth round and setting up the blockbuster clash with Arsenal.
“Last season, Accrington went all the way to penalties and it’s games like this where you have to put 100 percent effort in and make sure you win to get the big draws,” Oates reflected.
“It was a tough game today but we need to keep putting in the performances and see who we get on Monday.”
The striker has had competition for a starting spot in Clough’s line-ups this season and knows the importance of performing as well as possible when he’s called upon.
“We’ve got so much quality throughout the whole squad. It’s good to get a goal and I just need to keep working hard and keeping trying to score as many as I can.”
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