Stags continue winning league start as the amber and blues edge out Newport County in a tight affair

George Maris and Robbie Willmott were on target in the opening 10 minutes with Ollie Clarke getting the decisive goal just before the half-time interval.

Heading into the encounter, the two sides won their opening league game of the season with Mansfield Town beating Bristol Rovers 2-1 and Newport County winning 1-0 away at Oldham Athletic.

The first chance of the game fell for the hosts. It took 15 seconds for Stephen McLaughlin to deliver an inviting ball in, however, it was narrowly ahead of Oli Hawkins as the ball went behind for a goal-kick.

Timmy Abraham, the younger brother of Chelsea forward Tammy Abraham, looked to get the better of Ferrand Rawson but the defender recovered well to get back and deal with the danger.

Nigel Clough’s men took the lead after seven minutes as Maris received the ball on the edge of the box and fired it into the bottom corner of Joe Day’s goal.

However, it didn’t take long for the visitors to get back on level terms. Willmott got the better of Rawson to chest the ball and beat Mansfield’s goalkeeper Nathan Bishop to make it 1-1 after nine minutes.

In the 19th minute, Newport wasted a free kick from a dangerous position. Goalscorer Wilmott drove his set-piece into Ed Upson with his effort deflected wide.

The Stags went on the charge through McLaughlin break as he set Danny Johnson through on goal, but his effort was straight at Day and dealt easily by the Newport shot-stopper.

Rhys Oates had a chance of his own as he twisted and turned to find some space on the edge of the box with his effort going over the bar.

Stags regained the lead in the 43rd minute following some clever play by Johnson. The striker took the ball down with his chest and then fed Ollie Clarke with his second touch. Mansfield’s captain didn’t need a second invitation as he smashed the ball past Day from inside the box.

The Exiles had the first chance of the second half with Abraham whose off-balance shot rolled narrowly wide of the bottom right corner.

Oates’ cross minutes later was tipped to safety by Day. If it wasn’t for the clearance from the Newport goalkeeper, Hawkins would have surely headed home as the forward lurked at the back post.

Abraham found himself in space inside the box with the young forward heading the ball goalwards, however, his effort was off target from a threatening position.

Ryan Haynes teed up Finn Azaz on the edge of the box with his first time shot tipped over the bar by the out-stretched Bishop to keep the Stags ahead.

Forward Johnson should have sealed Stags’ victory three minutes from time but he hit his effort into Day’s legs and squandered his one-on-one opportunity.

However, the amber and blues held onto the three points after a late Newport onslaught and win their second league game of the season.

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