Stags earn a much-needed draw against Rochdale but defensive problems still haunt them

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Nigel Clough was struck with even more bad news even before the Rochdale game kicked off as James Perch was ruled out for the season due to a fractured skull and Richard Nartey also sustained an injury.

With another two defenders out of the matchday squad, the 55-year-old had to work his magic and work with a backline of Kellan Gordon, Elliott Hewitt, Ferrand Rawson and Stephen McLaughlin.

The two centre-backs have made a handful of errors this season as the defensive department has been mainly at fault due to the number of goals conceded in the league.

As the game at the One Call Stadium go underway, the first half was not filled with many chances. However, the Stags had the early efforts through Rhys Oates but were unable to find their way through with his efforts blocked well by the Rochdale defence.

The Dale had chances of their own through Jake Beesley. The forward was able to find space inside the box on two separate occasions, however, he failed to hit the target both times.

Rochdale’s number nine was not done there, as on the half-hour mark, he looked to race through on goal. A well-timed tackle from George Lapslie halted the forward’s progress and kept the scores level.

At the start of the second half, the visitors started quicker as Max Taylor headed his effort over from close range. Ferrand Rawson’s well-timed tackle denied Alex Newby from taking the shot on inside the area as the Stags held on for dear life.

The deadlock was broken in the 50th minute as Rochdale took the lead. Kellan Gordon was robbed of the ball by Matt Done as he squared the ball into Danny Cashman who tapped in from close range.

Mansfield looked to get equalise almost instantly as Jordan Bowery cut onto his left foot but curled his effort wide of the target.

Beesley thought he’d doubled his side’s advantage as he power his header towards goal. Stags’ shot-stopper Nathan Bishop was alert to the danger as he got down low to make the save.

Danny Johnson made an immediate impact after coming off the bench as Ollie Clarke rolled the ball into the forward who slotted into the bottom corner to level the game at 1-1.

The visitors looked to gain the lead once more as Done looked to shoot, but a last-ditch challenge from Lapslie denied him of that opportunity.

Clough’s men had a fantastic opportunity to win the game in added time. Ollie Clarke made his way into the box and shaped to shoot. However, Harry Charlsey stole the ball off of the skipper’s boot and saw his effort saved by Joel Coleman.

The draw will help to instil some confidence into the Stags after five defeats on the bounce in all competitions. Mansfield now take on Leyton Orient at The Breyer Group Stadium in their final game of the month with Rochdale facing Burnley in the Carabao Cup before taking on Oldham Athletic at the Crown Oil Stadium next weekend.

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