Stags look to secure back-to-back league wins as they face Stevenage at The Lamex Stadium

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Mansfield Town come into the game against Stevenage in fine form after their recent FA Cup giant-killing of Sunderland was backed up by a commanding 6-3 victory over Newcastle United’s under-21 side in the Papa John’s Trophy.

The amber and blues have finally been able to string some results together with a crucial league win against Tranmere Rovers starting that run.

Nigel Clough has been boosted with the returns of key players and the signing of experienced defender/midfielder John-Joe O’Toole as the Stags aim to steer away from the relegation zone.

In Mansfield’s final competitive outing, they recorded a fine victory over Newcastle United’s under-21s in the Papa John’s Trophy.

Heading into the match at the One Call Stadium, both teams were unable to progress into the next round of the competition after recording two losses in their opening two games.

The Magpies took the lead of the game in the fifth minute through Dylan Stephenson as he slotted the ball under George Shelvey after a brilliant through ball from Lucas De Bolle.

10 minutes later, Danny Johnson scored the equaliser. James Gale’s cross was directed into the roof of the net by the forward as the attacking fest continued.

Joe White regained Newcastle’s advantage as he danced his way through the Stags defence. However, O’Toole’s goal in added time of the first half nullified the visitors’ advantage.

After Johnson’s fantastic turn and finish, the Stags claimed the lead for the first time in the match saw him score his second of the evening.

He completed his hat-trick in the 70th minute as he was able to convert a spot-kick. The forward was brought down in the area by Newcastle’s goalkeeper Dan Langley, and with his final touch of the match, extended Mansfield’s advantage.

Tyrese Sinclair also earned a penalty a couple of minutes later to make it 5-2 in the Stags’ favour with Michael Ndiweni scoring the Magpies’ third in the 90th minute.

Youngster Nathan Caine set the score at 6-3 after he scored his first professional goal for the Nottinghamshire club in added time.

Stevenage were also able to secure a victory in their final Papa John’s Trophy game to advance into the next round. The Boro beat Cambridge United 1-0 with Elliott List’s goal in the 40th minute securing the win for Alex Revell’s side.

However, the Hertfordshire side has not won a league game since October’s 2-0 win against Hartlepool. Revell will be looking to get back to winning ways in League Two especially after they were destroyed by Newport County two weeks ago.

The Exiles ran through Stevenage as they beat the Boro 5-0 at Rodney Parade. A hat-trick from League Two Player of the Month Dom Telford inspired the Welsh outfit to a dominant performance on home soil.

What makes matter worse for Stevenage is that they’ve only beaten the Stags once at the Lamex Stadium. Also, the Boro have only won three times against Mansfield with the amber and blues victorious on seven occasions and three matches ending in a draw.

Both Stevenage and Mansfield sit narrowly outside of the relegation zone and a victory would see them move closer to mid-table and away from a potential relegation battle.

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