George Maris: Mansfield midfield says current squad most ruthless one he has played in at club

George Maris is in his fourth season with Mansfield since signing from Cambridge United

Mansfield Town midfielder George Maris says the current Stags squad is the most ruthless he had been part of.

Maris was on target in Mansfield's 2-0 win over Grimsby on Boxing Day that sealed a third victory in a row and took them into the automatic promotion places in League Two.

Nigel Clough's side are one point behind Wrexham and five adrift of leaders Stockport County.

"This little run we're on is very important," Maris, 27, said.

"If we can pick up as many points as we can that will take real far.

"We've picked up nine points out of nine and that takes us nicely into Friday [against Doncaster] and then Stockport [on New Year's Day]."

Mansfield are hoping this season is third time lucky in terms of winning promotion after losing in the play-off final in 2021-22 and missing out on a play-off place on goal difference last season.

Certain key statistics add weight to the Stags promotion credentials with the side boasting the league's best defence - with only 18 goals conceded from 22 games - and best expected goals (xG) per game ratio of 1.96.

"Our defence has been so much better this season. We just look solid and when you're playing in front of that it gives you confidence that if they do get past we've got such a good back four we are looking solid," Maris told BBC Radio Nottingham.

Mansfield's 'scary' pressing game

Maris notched his second goal in three games, and sixth of the season, against the Mariners and says the Stag's cutting edge is one of their stand-out qualities compared to the others he has played in.

"I think this one's more ruthless. In games in the past we've dominated but not got over the line - we leave it at one goal and concede," he added.

"The ruthlessness that we got and the solidity at the back gives us the platform to go on get goals.

"The pressing has improved and that's what people are probably scared of - the way we press and how high up we press.

"Whoever's on the bench, no one sulks. We know things are going to get rotated it's a tough period and everyone's been brilliant."