Caretaker Mansfield manager Adam Murray ended a run of nine matches without a win just 24 hours after taking the helm at the Stags.

He also won over the fans with a bold, attacking 4-3-3 formation full of passing football that looked a world away from the hesitant, unambitious performances under Paul Cox this season.

Loan striker Verdain Oliver hit the winner a minute before half-time from Lee Beevers’ long clearance, racing clear and lobbing the keeper.

Chris Clements almost added a second as wingers Rob Taylor and Reggie Lambe added a new dimention to the home side and loan defender Jamie Sendles-White shielded the defence in a defensive midfield role.

However, in-form Plymouth, unbeaten in seven games, were unlucky when Mellor somehow hit the bar when it looked easier to score after 16 minutes.

Afterwards Murray said: “I will take it one day at a time as I have been in this game too
long to get carried away with things and we haven’t even started yet.

“It is a crazy game and you never know what lies around the corner.
What will happen lies in then coming weeks and the powers that be.

“Everyone knows the connection I have with the club and the fans.

“It is a tough one for me as I have really enjoyed playing this season
and have been happy with my own performances.

“But I am passionate about coaching and my badges and we will have to
see what happens.

“I said before the game I wanted to get my ideas across to the boys in
a very short time. But I was scared of overloading them information
and complicating things.

“All credit to them, the boys carried that out today and now it’s a
case of building on that. I need to work with them on structure and
organisation and hopefully things will improve.

“I want to say a massive thank you to the lads. Obviously it’s been a
whirlwind few hours and to go out there and show that spirit, desire
and ability to be brave on the ball was fantastic.

“It is about installing belief in how good those players are in there.
We have a hell of a lot of ability and passion.