Stags make it five successive home league victories with a 2-1 win over Salford City

Embed from Getty Images

Mansfield Town’s comeback win against Salford City saw them make it nine wins from 10 games in all competitions as the amber and blues continue their charge up the table.

It was a dismal start for the Stags as the Ammies took the lead inside the first 10 minutes. Donald Love’s long throw-in was flicked on by Tom Elliott at the front post. The ball fell into the path of Matty Lund who tapped it in from close range to give Salford the lead.

The tide turned in the amber and blues’ favour in the final 10 minutes of the first half. They levelled the game at 1-1 in the 36th minute as Stephen McLaughlin’s free-kick was diverted into the goal by Rhys Oates amidst chaos in the Ammies’ box.

McLaughlin turned goalscorer on the stroke of half-time with another set-piece. His free-kick beat Salford goalkeeper Tom King at the near post and handed Mansfield the advantage at the interval. The hosts were able to hold onto their lead for the rest of the game and ran out 2-1 victors.

Nigel Clough made three changes from the side that beat Carlisle United 1-0 on Tuesday evening. John-Joe O’Toole missed the game through illness, Will Forrester picked up another ankle injury and Harry Charsley was rested as Oli Hawkins, Ferrend Rawson and Rhys Oates came into the starting 11.

Mansfield started the game brightly as Jordan Bowery looked to find a teammate in the box but his cross was too high.

The visitors found the breakthrough with a long throw-in in the ninth minute. Love’s throw found Elliott on the front post who flicked the ball on. It fell into the path of Lund who had the easy task of finding the goal from close range.

After a quarter of an hour, George Lapslie slipped through Oates with the forward dragging his effort off target as the Stags looked to hit back immediately.

Minutes later, McLaughlin found Bowery on the edge of the area. Mansfield’s number nine goalbound volley was cleared off the line by Theo Vassell as the Ammies held onto their lead for dear life.

Gary Bowyer’s men were not far away from doubling their lead in the 26th minute. Conor McAleny found himself through on goal and poked his effort goalwards. The shot was saved by Nathan Bishop and then cleared to safety by Elliott Hewitt.

After starting with a 3-5-2 formation, Nigel Clough smartly changed his tactics as the amber and blues pushed on for an equaliser and got it in the 36th minute. McLaughlin’s free-kick delivery found Oates who was able to tap the ball in and level the game at 1-1.

With the half-time whistle looming, the Stags gained the lead. McLaughlin scored his second goal in as many games as his free-kick hit the back of the net and saw Mansfield 2-1 in front at the break.

In the second half, Bowery wasn’t far from getting on the act himself. The forward cut inside on his left foot but saw his effort go narrowly wide of the post.

He got another chance moments later as he got past Ibou Touray, however, the effort was only able to hit the side netting.

After brilliant work from Love to win back possession, Josh Morris had a go from distance but it was a comfortable save for Bishop.

The Stags were not troubled after that chance as they ran out 2-1 victors and earned an important three points to continue their fantastic form in all competitions.

Clough’s men will now face the toughest test of their season so far as the amber and blues travel to Gloucestershire next weekend to take on league leaders Forest Green Rovers.

This game will show whether Mansfield are able to challenge for a spot in the top seven this season and can perform against the teams at the top end of the League Two table.

Follow us on Twitter @ProstInt

[columns]
[column size=”1/2″][blog type=”timeline” posts=”10″ cats=”609″ heading=”EFL” heading_type=”timeline” /][/column]
[column size=”1/2″][blog type=”timeline” posts=”10″ cats=”1072″ heading=”News” heading_type=”timeline” /][/column]
[/columns]