Nine-goal thriller sees the Stags bow out of the Papa John’s Trophy with a win under their belt

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Mansfield Town were able to make it three wins from three in all competitions as they recorded a 6-3 win over Newcastle United’s under-21s in the Papa John’s Trophy.

Both sides came into this game without a win in the competition and this game meant nothing as they were unable to advance into the next round.

Nigel Clough named 10 changes to the side that beat Sunderland in the FA Cup last weekend with John-Joe O’Toole the only player that started at the Stadium of Light.

George Shelvey started in goal with a back four consisting of James Clarke, Ferrend Rawson, debutant Will Forrester and Jason Law. The Stags opted for a midfield three as Tyrese Sinclair and O’Toole lined up on either side of Keaton Ward with Danny Johnson, debutant James Gale and Jordan Bowery forming the forward trio.

The first effort of the evening came from Johnson. Stags’ number 11 saw his shot from outside the box deflected out for a corner with the subsequent set-piece coming to nothing.

Newcastle broke the deadlock in the fifth minute through Dylan Stephenson. Lucas De Bolle found the forward with a fantastic through ball as he slotted it underneath Shelvey to put the Magpies in front.

From that point on, it was all out attack for Mansfield as they searched for am equaliser. Both Sinclair had very good chances to level the game but their shots failed to hit the target.

In the 16th minute, Gale found Johnson inside the box as the forward struck his first time effort beyond Dan Langley and into the roof of the net.

However, it didn’t take long for the visitors to score their second. Joe White skipped past multiple challenges to dance his way into the box and fire the ball beyond Shelvey as the Magpies regained their lead.

The hosts had chances as they piled on the pressure for yet another equaliser. After several missed attempts, O’Toole stuck the ball in the back of the net to bring the Stags level just before the half-time interval.

After the restart, Johnson secured his brace with a fine finish. The forward received the ball with his back towards goal, and in one swift movement, slotted it in the back of the net to put Mansfield ahead in the 53rd minute.

White thought he’d grabbed the equaliser the Newcastle but his fantastic free-kick cannoned off the crossbar and the ball was cleared away.

Minutes later, Matt Bondswell was able to carry the ball goalwards, however, his effort was straight at Shelvey as the goalkeeper caught the ball.

Just before the 70th minute, the Stags were awarded a penalty. Gale was initially brought down but the referee waved the appeals away with Johnson’s effort hitting the post but he went down after the challenge from Langley which saw the spot kick awarded.

Mansfield’s number 11 stepped up to take the penalty and dispatched it with ease as he completed his hat-trick and extended the amber and blues’ advantage.

Another penalty was awarded seven minutes later with Sinclair brought down this time around. The forward slotted the ball into the net to give Mansfield a 5-2 lead.

The Magpies pulled a goal back in the 90th minute after Stephenson’s ball found Michael Ndiweni but the Stags had the final say as Nathan Caine’s first professional goal saw them secure a 6-3 win.

Clough’s side now turn their attentions to league action with the amber and blues taking on Stevenage this weekend.

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