Crewe Alexandra 1-1 Mansfield Town (EFL League Two) 14.12.19

Mansfield Town took a well earned point at promotion chasing Crewe Alexandra as the Stags stay 18^th in League Two.

Both goals came early as Crewe took the lead through Chuna Anene on six minutes before Andy Cook levelled on 27 latching onto an Olejnik clearance to chip over Jaaskelainen in the home sides goal.

Minutes later Cook could have made it 2-1 heading wide from MacDonald’s cross before Lowery went close at the other end shooting from the edge of the area.

Wintle had another Crewe attempt sailing past the wrong side of the posts on 38 before the busy Cook had a shot blocked well. Maynard might have put Mansfield in the lead at half time but was denied by Jaaskelainen in first half stoppage time after Cook put him through on goal.

The Stags continued to press in the second half as Maynard fired over on 52 but Crewe had a golden chance on 58 as Benning cleared Finney’s effort off the line.

Olejnik then saved athletically from a Jones free kick before the Stags had their big opportunity when a fabulous diving header by Maynard crashed off the post.

In a cracking second half it was Crewe’s turn to hit the woodwork as Kirk hit the bar on 69 before both MacDonald then Maynard tested Jaaskelainen who was up to the challenge.

One last chance in added time came for substitute Sterling-James who slashed wide with both teams probably content and relieved with a point despite both having a number of great opportunities to win.

Crewe Alexandra: Jaaskelainen, Ng, Hunt, Nolan, Pickering, Wintle, Finney (Ainley 71), Lowery (Jones 51), Powell (Dale 80), Anene, Kirk.

Mansfield Town: Olejnik, Benning, Preston, Sweeney, Shaughnessy (Sterling-James 67), Clarke, Bishop, MacDonald, Hamilton, Maynard (Khan 88), Cook (Rose 80).

Venue: Gresty Road (4,060)

*Main image @mansfieldtownfc Stags go close as Maynard heads wide.