Wrexham FC recovered from going a goal behind to win 2-1 at Field Mill and make it three victories in three outings under Saunders.

And the Reds' boss paid tribute to his players for digging in to secure another three points.

"I thought Mansfield really had a go today, really pressured us," said Saunders.

"Some of the lads have not been in a battle like that and I just said to them they have got to see the other side of football.

"Joe Allen and Levi Mackin in the middle, the ball was at times bypassing them. They had to compete with people in the middle.

"It is the other side of football and I wanted to see if they were capable of doing that, and to be fair they did."

Silvio Spann's under hit back pass gifted Mansfield the lead but Mike Williams put Wrexham back on level terms with his first career goal.

Brother Marc sealed victory with his fourth goal in three outings and Saunders was delighted to see his side hold on as Mansfield pressed for a late equaliser.

"We have spent so much time talking about that and to concede one after our corner!" said Saunders.

"There were two little mistakes on the edge of their box and then a dodgy back pass which I think every Wrexham fan could see coming.

"The lad has took it well, took it round the keeper and slotted it in.

"We had to come back from that, dug in and scored a goal from a corner which we have worked on which is very pleasing, and Marc has scored another goal.

"They bombarded us at the end, put four up front so I put Steve Evans on to try and help us in that department and he did the job great.

"I said to them if they keep giving me that effort I will look after them."

Mike Williams was forced off with concussion 14 minutes from the end but he still won a bet with Saunders.

"I had a right result because I said I would give him £25 if he scored today and he can't remember it so I have got away with £25!" said Saunders. "I give him £30 and told him he owes me £10!

"No, it was a good goal, a good header. Mike got a bit of concussion at the end. He seems to be okay but has lost his memory a little bit."

Saunders also praised the in-form Marc Williams who took his tally for the season to five goals with the winner.

"I was looking across the half way line at our defenders," said Saunders.

"I was more concerned about that when the ball came out of the area, and our starting position was right as defenders.

"I just took my eye off it for a minute and as I looked back he was slotting it in the net.

"I did not see the build up but Marc is on fire at the moment.

"I have said to him if you work hard you get a bit of luck.

"The ball drops your way and ricochets through a couple of people and he took it well again. He is in form."

Saunders handed a debut to centre-back Ashley Westwood who has joined the Reds until January after impressing on trial.

"I thought Ashley played great. He read it and was strong, and talks to all the other players which makes a difference," added Saunders.

"We have got a framework there when we have got the ball, and when we haven't got the ball we have got a framework to work in.

"I have just got to improve the quality of the balls into the strikers, the crossing, the finishing, the timing of runs and the passing.

"We have got the framework we are going to play in, we have just got to get better at it.

"You can improve anybody that wants to be improved and I am sure I can.

"If you don't want to be improved there is no future for you."