Andy Cook comes back to haunt the Stags as his late goal breaks Mansfield Town’s unbeaten league run

The Stags were leading 2-1 after Oli Hawkins’ second goal in the 52nd minute, but goals from Charles Vernam and ex-Stag Andy Cook secured the three points for the Bantams.

Heading into the match, both sides were level on points and were only separated by goal difference with Bradford City the superior team in that aspect.

Nigel Clough’s side strung a few chances early on as they looked to get ahead. Rhys Oates found the run of Stephen Quinn with the midfielder’s delivery into Danny Johnson cleared away by the visitors.

The first shot was recorded by Stephen McLaughlin as the left-back took aim. His shot stung the palms of Richard O’Donnell with the Bantams’ goalkeeper keeping the shot out.

Elliott Hewitt, Mansfield Town’s goalscorer during midweek against Colchester United, pounced on McLaughlin’s corner but headed his effort over the bar.

After a lively start to proceedings, Bradford took the lead in the 19th minute through Paudie O’Connor. Callum Cooke’s delivery was met by the defender with his header beating Nathan Bishop and opening the scoring.

The Stags equalised before the half-time interval through Oli Hawkins. Ollie Clarke delivered the ball into the box with the forward glancing his header past O’Donnell to level the game at 1-1.

Mansfield had the wind in their sails as they searched for a second. A move involving McLaughlin, Johnson and Quinn ended with a cross that narrowly missed goalscorer Hawkins.

Inside the first minute of the second half, Oates drove at the Bradford goal but the forward dragged his effort wide of the target.

Andy Cook used his body well as he chested the ball down to Elliot Watt with the midfielder volleying over as the Bantams looked to regain their lead.

However, it was the amber and blues who went in front through another goal from Hawkins. Oates found the forward inside the area as he volleyed the ball into the back of the net.

On the hour mark, Bradford levelled the game at 2-2. Cooke, on the edge of the area, found Vernam and his curled effort beat Bishop.

The forward was involved once more minutes later as he got to the byline and played the ball into Cook, but he failed to connect with the ball and failed to trouble the Stags goal.

As the game reached its final minutes, Hewitt met McLaughlin’s cross forcing O’Donnell into a strong save to keep the scores level.

The Bantams had the final say as they found the winner in the 87th minute. Vernam’s effort was saved by Bishop but Cook reacted quickly to put the rebound in from close range.

Derek Adams’ men were able to hold onto the three points and continue their unbeaten league run as they remain second. The Stags drop down to fourth and face a trip to The County Ground next weekend as they take on newly-relegated Swindon Town.

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