Plymouth Argyle striker Ben Waine ‘buzzing’ to open Mansfield Town account
After Mansfield’s 2-0 victory at Crawley, the New Zealand international scored the goal to move up to third place in League One.
Ben Waine, a striker for Plymouth Argyle, said he “couldn’t be happier” at Mansfield Town after netting his first goal since joining on loan at the end of August.
Tuesday’s 2-0 away victory for Mansfield over Crawley Town was secured by the New Zealand international goal in the second minute of extra time. After winning their last four League One games, the Stags are undefeated in five.
Mansfield moved up to third in the standings, one point behind leaders Birmingham City and level on points with Wrexham, who had played one more game than Mansfield.
Mansfield had taken the lead against Crawley thanks to an early goal from Lee Gregory, but they weren’t guaranteed to win until Waine, one of three half-time substitutions, scored a stoppage-time left-foot finish.
Waine told the Chad: “I am absolutely buzzing to scoring a goal but more importantly the win which has kept this beautiful little run going – it’s great. Although I haven’t been here for very long, this team has shown remarkable togetherness and talent ever since I arrived. They also have a strong work ethic and graft.”
The 23-year-old, who had two previous scoring opportunities against Crawley before ultimately breaking his account, was making his fifth consecutive appearance for Mansfield as a substitute; his only start came in a 3-0 home EFL Trophy defeat by Bradford City.
Waine explained: “To be honest that was the hardest chance I had out of the three shots I had. I was thinking the first two were going to come back to haunt me, but I wasn’t going to come off the pitch without one more crack. “Everyone was screaming to go to the corner in the last few minutes, but to score and then celebrate with the fans was an amazing feeling. I know my mum and dad will have been watching back in New Zealand too so it is even more special.”
He’d previously had a one-on-one opportunity, but Crawley custodian Jojo Wollacott stopped it. “You have to be a bit of a goldfish in those situations and try to let it go as quickly as you can,” Waine remarked. “Don’t get me wrong, though; it was still on my mind.”
“The guys rallied around me, gave me encouragement, and promised me the next one, which means a lot. I’m overjoyed that they’ve been so hospitable since I arrived. The focus now is on Saturday’s match, which is against Blackpool at home, and extending this winning streak as long as possible.”
Waine, meanwhile, will have two opportunities later this month to add to his 18 international appearances and six goals for New Zealand. The striker is part of the All Whites’ squad for their opening 2026 World Cup qualifier against Tahiti on Friday, October 11, in Port Vila, Vanuatu. On Monday, October 12, New Zealand will play an international friendly match against Malaysia at North Harbour Stadium, Auckland.
