Stags’ away win against Barrow sees them equal a club record with a seventh consecutive victory in the league

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Mansfield Town’s first away league victory of 2022 did not come without its troubles.

After taking an early lead through Rhys Oates, Jordan Jones equalised for Barrow in the 17th minute with their first shot of the game. The Stags remained resolute in their play and regained their lead before two yellow cards to Ferrend Rawson saw them go down to 10 men a couple of minutes before the interval.

Nigel Clough’s change of system once more paid dividends as his side defended when they had their backs against the walls, but in attack, they were clinical and Jordan Bowery sealed the win 20 minutes from time.

The amber and blues named an unchanged team from the abandoned game against Forest Green Rovers. Nathan Bishop started in goal with a back four of Elliott Hewitt, John-Joe O’Toole, Rawson and Stephen McLaughlin ahead of the shot-stopper.

Ryan Stirk, George Maris, Stephen Quinn and Rhys Oates were in midfield with Bowery and Oli Hawkins forming the strike partnership.

It was the perfect start for the Stags as they broke the deadlock inside the first minute of the game. Quinn’s corner was flicked on by Rawson, and as the ball bounced up off a Barrow player, Oates was there to nod it in past Paul Farman.

The visitors continued on the front foot with Bowery having two chances but Mansfield’s number nine failed to hit the target on both occasions.

Barrow had the ball in the back of the net in the 13th minute after Tom White’s delivery found the head of Luke James, who found the goal from close range, however, the forward was flagged offside by the linesmen.

Moments later, the home fans were able to celebrate properly as they netted the equaliser. Robbie Gotts’ corner was diverted in by defender Jordan Jones to level the game up at 1-1 after 17 minutes.

Another corner and it was another goal as the visitors regained their lead. Quinn saw his cross into the box miss everyone and fall to McLaughlin as the full-back’s venomous effort hit the back of the net.

Within the space of four minutes, Rawson earned himself two yellow cards which saw the defender sent off and the Stags were down to 10 men for the remainder of the first half and the entirety of the second period.

The hosts put the pressure onto the amber and blues for the remainder of the half but Clough’s men defended well and were ahead at the half-time interval.

Barrow continued in the ascendancy as Remeao Hutton got away down the right and tried to find Will Harris in the middle but it was cut out with Gotts’ follow-up failing to hit the target.

Mark Cooper’s men had another chance moments later as Anthony Glennon’s left-wing cross was only half-cleared with Ollie Banks swinging a boot at it, however, his volley went wide.

After weathering the storm, Mansfield moved into a 3-1 lead. McLaughlin’s free-kick was headed in by Bowery to virtually seal the deal for the Stags.

The hosts were able to hit the crossbar twice in the dying embers of the game, however, Clough’s side continued their impressive league form which sees them only three points outside the automatic promotion places.

Mansfield Town now return to Nottinghamshire and will take on Leyton Orient at home next weekend, whilst Barrow face Salford City at The Dunes Hotel Stadium before travelling to Rodney Parade for their game against Newport County.

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