Port Vale 3-1 Mansfield Town (EFL League Two) 15.03.22

Mansfield Town lost their second successive match in the league as Port Vale came from behind to take all three points and send the Stags back packing to Nottinghamshire without anything for their travels.

Mansfield took the lead on 22 minutes when Kieran Wallace played the ball over the Vale defence for Rhys Oates to muscle his way in and shrug off his marker before finishing to net his tenth of the season in all competitions.

It didn’t take long however for the home side to fight back, first Pett went close with a shot that flew past the post of Bishop before James Wilson levelled on 35, drilling home after Garrity slipped the former Manchester United youngster through.

The hosts thought they had the lead just two minutes into the second half when Hussey crossed to the back post where Wilson nodded down for Charsley but the former Stag saw his shot goal wards blocked brilliantly by Wallace.

Another former Stag, Aidan Stone was then called into action twice at the other end, to deny Mansfield taking the lead, Murphy’s effort saved before the rebound falling to Lapslie was kept out again.

That save proved even more valuable for Vale who took the lead on 76 through substitute Kian Harratt. The teenager’s shot initially saved by Bishop after Pett headed down but in reacting quickest he volleyed home the rebound before taking a booking for his understandable over-zealous celebrations in taking off his shirt.

That didn’t bother Harratt too much as with three minutes of normal time remaining he grabbed a second and made it three, the free kick by Benning headed back by Proctor to Harratt who again struck low into the corner from twelve yards out.

The defeat leaves the Stags dropping down to tenth in the table, a place below Vale on goal difference. Nigel Clough’s men will now aim to pick up from successive losses at home to struggling Stevenage on Saturday.

Port Vale: Stone, Smith, Martin, Hall, Worrall, Garrity, Pett, Charsley (Walker 69), Hussey (Benning 67), Wilson (Harratt 72), Proctor.

Mansfield Town: Bishop, Perch, Rawson, Hawkins, McLaughlin (Bowery 87), Clarke (O’Toole 57), Stirk, Lapslie, Wallace, Murphy, Oates (Johnson 80).

Venue: Vale Park

*Main image @mansfieldtownfc James Perch in action for Mansfield Town.