Noel Hunt’s Reading FC side made it consecutive wins in League One to keep them in the pack for the play-off places.
Mamadi Camara put Reading in front before Mansfield levelled up before the break, but it was Tyler Bindon’s display of spectacular athleticism which ensured the Royals collected all three points as he netted the winner.
Speaking to the media after the match, Hunt said: “I thought the boys were superb. We knew it was going to be that kind of game and I thought our boys were outstanding from the first goal.
“Nothing changed but they got a goal. We have a young group and they’re learning quickly.
“They’re a good side, well drilled and when you watch them two or three times, you think wow.
“They have experience, legs and young players. The manager is top class and we didn’t want to blink first, and we didn’t. The boys were outstanding.
“We asked if we could go back-to-back and finish the year with a bang to give us a foothold into next year and they answered that really well.
“If we could get momentum up and going, like we have done, you have to take it into every game. Every game is going to be a fight and a battle but if we can win those things and outrun teams, our football will come through.”
Reading are back in action on New Years Day with a visit to Cambridge United. The U’s are currently struggling at the other end of the table and find themselves in the relegation zone in 22nd place on 17 points.
