Stags in free fall as defeat to Barrow sees them drop down to 22nd in League Two

Ollie Banks’ penalty in the 55th minute and a Ferrand Rawson red card in added time of the second half pilled even more pressure on Mansfield Town as their torrid league form continued.

Two consecutive league draws for the Stags allowed them to breathe a sigh of relief as a run of five defeats on the bounce in all competitions.

Injuries to key players such as James Perch, Kellan Gordon, Richard Nartey and the suspension of Stephen Quinn hasn’t made things any simpler for Nigel Clough and his men.

With Elliott Hewitt having to fill in at right-back for the injured Gordon, Ferrand Rawson paired up with Oli Hawkins as the towering forward dropped back to defence.

Harry Charlsey also stepped into the side to earn his first league start of the season as he replaced the suspended Tyrese Sinclair after the youngster’s sending off against Leyton Orient last weekend.

Barrow had the early chance after Ollie Clarke’s clearance cannoned off Jordan Stevens and into the path of Josh Kay. In a one-on-one situation, the forward fired his shot onto the crossbar as the Stags were let off the hook massively.

Before the 10-minute mark, the Bluebirds had another perfect chance after Robbie Gotts’ corner was headed back across goal by James Jones who forced George Lapslie into a goal-line clearance.

The two goalkeepers, Paul Farman for Barrow and Nathan Bishop for Mansfield, exchanged saves as the two shot-stoppers were forced into action throughout the entirety of the first half.

Another goal-line clearance prevented the visitors from taking the lead once more. Joe Grayson’s set-piece was headed across goal by Banks with Stephen McLaughlin’s heel preventing the goal.

In the 43rd minute, George Maris’ free-kick was headed down in front of goal by Hawkins. However, a goal-line block from Barrow skipper Mark Ellis saw the scores level at the half-time interval.

10 minutes into the second half, the Bluebirds’ captain was brought down in the Mansfield box by Charsley which saw referee Tom Nield point to the spot. Banks stepped up to take the penalty and confidently hit the back of the net from 12 yards.

The Stags continued to search for an equaliser through skipper Ollie Clarke but his efforts were saved by Farman as the game entered its final minutes.

In added time, Charsley’s ball into the box found substitute Danny Johnson as his header went narrowly over the bar.

Rawson found himself in trouble as he dragged Josh Gordon back in the 96th minute. Referee Nield showed the centre-back a straight red card as the suspensions continued to mount for the amber and blues.

Mansfield Town now take on Sheffield Wednesday in the Papa John’s Trophy on Tuesday before their home league game against bottom of the table Oldham Athletic on Saturday.

Barrow are also in Papa John’s Trophy action as they play Fleetwood Town at Holker Street during midweek before facing high-flyers Leyton Orient.

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