'Privilege' to lead Mansfield challenge - Smith

Mansfield Town striker Michael Smith says he is enjoying his role as the club look to better last season's 10th-placed finish.

Smith, 35, scored twice in Tuesday's first away win of the campaign as they beat AFC Wimbledon 3-0.

The Stags have 15 points from their opening 10 matches, leaving them 11th in League One, and a point better off than 12 months ago.

"It sounds a bit cliched to say, but its just one game at a time. We've had a good result away from home, but its about backing that up now," Smith told BBC Radio Nottingham.

"If we're serious about doing anything this season, it's about going to Blackpool (on Saturday) and getting the win there as well.

"We're a confident group. In the home performances this season the lads have been brilliant to a man, so it was just about turning those away performances into a win."

The experienced former Sheffield Wednesday, Rotherham and Swindon frontman arrived in the summer on a free transfer from Preston.

Stags boss Nigel Clough admitted at the time they were "a bit surprised he was available", and Smith is now the club's leading scorer this season with five goals.

He also added an assist for Mansfield's third goal on Tuesday, but Smith is playing down his impact.

"As long as I'm contributing in some way, whether that's assisting, scoring goals or trying to put in good performances for the team - it's all about the three points," he added.

"I'm thoroughly enjoying it. When you get to may age its just a privilege to still be playing football. We're all in a good place, and I feel I'm in a good place as well".

Tuesday's victory at Plough Lane was Clough's 275th league game in charge, taking him past Ian Greaves' league record, and within sight of becoming the club's longest-serving manager.

"We're encouraged. I think we should have a couple more points on the board, couple of draws away from home," 60-year-old Clough added.

"I think we're in a nice little grove at the moment, and a nice rhythm with our play which we're seeing in training as people come back.

"We've got 15 points without (David McGoldrick and Tyler Roberts), so that's a good sign because they'll come back and play a part. It's very early still, so a lot of football to be played and we're going to need everybody."