Rochdale 0-1 Mansfield Town (EFL League Two) 22.03.22

A late Jordan Bowery winner gave Mansfield Town a much needed three points after the Stags lost their last two league games, they bounce back to take three points at Spotland and more importantly close the gap on those ahead in the playoff race.

Rhys Oates had the first attempt of the match, cutting in and shooting at Lynch on six minutes before the hosts struck back with efforts from Campbell, high and wide, before Ball was denied by Bishop on fourteen.

Murphy narrowly struck over for the away side after some neat play which involved Oates and Longstaff before a big opportunity for the Stags, Oates nicking possession from Dorsett to run through on goal but striking again straight at Lynch on 25.

Oates was again denied either side of the break by the Dale goalkeeper before Done struck at the other end left-footed, comfortably saved by Bishop.

Elliott Hewitt then denied Tahvon Campbell with a brilliant intervention just as the former Notts County striker was about to get his shot off, Campbell then made way for Alex Newby as the home side searched for a winner.

It was the Stags however on the front foot as time neared the end, Oates again denied by Lynch wit a powerful effort that was pushed away before Hewitt sent Murphy through who struck inches wide of the bottom left corner.

Those chances however not to be rued for Mansfield, enter Jordan Bowery, on in the 78^th minute, firing home left footed from an Oates pass just eight minutes later, the Stags taking a late lead with little time needed to protect it.

Six minutes in all were agonsingly given in injury time, the Stags not only held on but might have added to their margin, Oates finding Lapslie on the break who’s shot was in the end blocked well by a defender.

The Stags now tenth in the division still seemingly a long way from that third placed automatic spot they held just a couple of weeks back, but only four points from it, one win will take them back into the hunt for promotion and with a trip to struggling Oldham at the weekend, the Stags face the side with the worse form in the division at Boundary Park, with another away win in sight for Nigel Clough’s men.

Clough saying after Tuesday night’s victory “The three points is all that matters.”

Rochdale: Lynch, O’Keeffe, O’Connell, Dooley, Ball (Grant 41), Dorsett, Broadbent, Done (Charman 84), Downing, Clark, Campbell (Newby 63).

Mansfield Town: Bishop, Hewitt, Perch, O‘Toole, McLaughlin, Stirk (Lapslie 82), Longstaff, Quinn (Wallace 73), Murphy (Bowery 78), Hawkins, Oates.

Venue: Spotland (2,088)

*Main image @mansfieldtownfc Jordan Bowery celebrates his late goal.