English-born Ghanaian midfielder Hiram Boateng is enjoying the glow of a career milestone, as he reflects on a sensational performance that propelled Mansfield to a historic victory.
Boateng, brimming with joy, recounts his delight at securing his first hat-trick in a commanding 9-2 triumph over Harrogate Town at One Call Stadium.
The match not only showcased Boateng's prowess but also marked a significant milestone in Mansfield's history, as it stands as the club's joint all-time record league win, a feat last achieved nearly a century ago.
In an exclusive interview with iFollow Stags, Boateng shares his elation at contributing three pivotal goals to the resounding victory.
“I’m delighted with the performance and the way the boys played today. We set out with a real purpose tonight," he said.
“The way we hunted the ball down and finished our chances clinically was top tonight.
“There was really good link up play with the forward players. The boys defended well for large periods of the game. It always gives you a good chance to go on and win games.
“[We know] Goal difference can be so important in this league. If we smell blood we’ve got to keep going. That was the message at half-time.
“It was a really good performance, we were so clinical tonight. To score nine is an incredible result.”
On each of his excellently-taken goals, he said: “When I won the ball back for the first goal, the ‘keeper was a little bit off his line [so I took] it early before he got himself set.
“The second one, Davo [Davis Keillor-Dunn] did excellently to slip me in [on goal]. He had to move it quickly into my path to give me the chance to get a shot off.
“The third one, Swanny [Will Swan] did brilliantly with his touch to get me in.
“[I’m] buzzing, absolutely delighted.”
Manager Nigel Clough made four changes to the side fielded in Mansfield’s previous encounter, a rampant 4-0 triumph at Forest Green Rovers.
Boateng felt last night’s result exemplified the squad’s strength in depth and the desire of each player to make a significant impact.
He said: “Boys who aren’t playing or maybe hadn’t started at the weekend want to come on and prove a point. Lads like myself, who didn’t start the last game, want to prove a point. We’re raring to go.
“There’s so much quality in the side. It gives the manager a problem. Collectively we’re as good as anyone in this division.”