Northampton Town 1-2 Mansfield Town (EFL League Two) 07.03.20

An early red card for Northampton Town winger Sam Hoskins played a part in Mansfield Town gaining victory at Sixfields after the former Yeovil man gave the ball away to Harry Charsley on the half way line before chasing him back only to then give away a penalty and earn himself a tenth minute sending off.

Danny Rose coolly dispatching to put Graham Coughlan’s men in the lead as he sent the Cobblers keeper Arnold the wrong way.

The Stags might have doubled their advantage on 17 through Watts as he headed over before the on-loan defender tried his luck from range on 24 which Arnold was equal to. Ten minutes later it was Charsley’s turn to let fly as he tested Arnold in the Northampton goal before heading wide from CJ Hamilton’s cross on 36.

It was a first half Mansfield dominated as Rose saw his effort saved on 43 before Charsley on the rebound had his attempt cleared off the line, the Stags ending the half with Riley curling a free kick over the bar.

In the second half it was more of the same as Charsley had another effort towards goal blocked before Tomlinson raced into the area only to blast wide.

At the other end Harry Smith blasted over and Wharton’s header was well saved by Stone and as the home team began to grow in confidence Mansfield looked to create on the counter-attack. Hamilton going closest for the Stags on the break before Tomlinson put some much needed distance between the two sides running in to slide home.

The Stags looked comfortable up until the 90^th minute when Harry Smith pulled one back in stoppage time with a frantic final few seconds too little too late for the playoff contenders as the Stags edge nearer to safety and their football league status for another year.

Stags: Oliver, Sweeney, Pearce, Watts (White 87), Riley, Tomlinson, Charsley, Bishop, Hamilton, Rose, Maynard (Davies 82).

*Main image @mansfieldtownfc CJ Hamilton a constant threat all afternoon.