Mansfield Town 2-1 Salford City (EFL League Two) 11.12.21
It was yet another win for Mansfield Town who extend their run to nine victories in ten matches as the Stags came from behind with two goals ahead of the break to take all three points against Salford.
It took the visitors just nine minutes to take the lead when a long throw in was flicked on by Tom Elliott and Matty Lund stabbed home at the back post unmarked.
The Stags pressing for an equaliser had a chance cleared off the line on 23 minutes when McLaughlin found Bowery who volleyed towards goal but for a brilliant headed clearance by Vassell, it would have been one-one.
Mansfield however didn’t have to wait too long until it was all square, McLaughlin firing in a free kick which fell to Oates who prodded home on 37 minutes.
Another free kick for Mansfield, on the stroke of half time was lined up from well outside the area by Irish set piece specialist McLaughlin who caught the goalkeeper out with a cracker to make it 2-1 and turn around the home teams fortunes going into the interval.
Bowery might have made it three in the second half after curling a shot inches wide, he then fired into the side netting before Bishop was called into action for a routine save at the other end.
Mansfield eventually seeing out the game quite comfortably despite the away side pressing late on. The Stags now eleventh in the table just four points below the playoff zone.
Mansfield Town: Bishop, Rawson, Hawkins, Hewitt, McLaughlin, Stirk, Maris, Lapslie, Quinn (Charsley 89), Oates (Sinclair 82), Bowery.
Salford City: King, Love, Vassell (Wright 83), Eastham, Turnbull, Touray, Lowe, Lund, Morris (Oteh 82), McAleny (Shepherd 58), Elliott.
Venue: Field Mill (4,113)
*Main image @mansfieldtownfc Stephen McLaughlin celebrates his goal for Mansfield.
