Stags Take Point In Burton

Burton Albion 1-1 Mansfield Town (EFL League One) 01.03.2025

It was a case of what could have been on Saturday afternoon as Nigel Clough took his Mansfield Town charges to the Pirelli Stadium, home of his former employers, Burton Albion, both sides perhaps unlucky, but grateful, to come away with a draw.

Clough had spells as both player, and manager, at Burton Albion, between 1998 and 2020, the first being in the role of player-manager, before returning in 2015; Lucas Akins also had a lengthy spell there between 2014 and 2022, racking up over 300 appearances for the Brewers.

The hosts would be attributed with both goals in this 1-1 draw, the opener coming early in the first half when Owen Dodgson got on the end of a cross from the right by Udoka Godwin-Malife, the effort taking a slight deflection on its way past Scott Flinders in the visiting goal.

Chances came the way of the visiting Stags as Will Evans, Stephen McLaughin, and Keanu Baccus all saw potential equalisers come to nought, the hosts going into the break with a one-goal lead.

That advantage however lasted but a matter of minutes of the second period when former Stags defender, Ryan Sweeney, turned home a curling cross from Louis Reed; Sweeney spent several years at the One Call Stadium between 2018 and 2021, before moving to Scotland, then to Burton in the summer of 2023.

Both sides created chances throughout the second period, but to no avail, neither able to muster a winning effort, including, at the death, when the visitors had a great opportunity to do so, from twelve yards out.

Burton’s former Preston North End and Carlisle United defender, Jack Armer, was adjudged to have brought down form Albion striker Akins, in the box, in the closing minutes, referee Matthew Russell pointing to the spot; Akins stepped up to take the kick, and proceeded to fire it over Max Crocombe’s bar, both sides settling for a battling point apiece.

For Burton, the point moves them a little closer to escaping the relegation zone, whilst the Stags, it’s now eleven games without a win in all competitions, dating back to the 2-1 success at Stockport County at the start of January.

Next up, it’s a return to the One Call Stadium on Tuesday (4 March) night, Clough’s side welcoming their FA Cup conquerors, Wigan Athletic, one place and goal-difference above in the league.

Stags: Scott Flinders, Deji Oshilaja, Alfie Kilgour (Caylan Vickers 46), Baily Cargill, Elliott Hewitt (George Williams 81), Keanu Baccus (Stephen Quinn 86), Louis Reed, George Maris (Aaron Lewis 40), Stephen McLaughlin, Lucas Akins, Will Evans (Jordan Rhodes 81).