It left the Stags four points from safety with three games left and also means that they cannot be safe, if at all, before the last game of the season at relegation rivals Dagenham.

But Holland said: "That could prove a valuable point at the end of the season.

"We are disappointed not to get all three points and there was only one team going for the win in that last 15-20 minutes.

• Macclesfield 0 Mansfield Town 0 - report and photos

"It wasn't a classic by any stretch of the imagination but I thought we did enough to win it today.

"We certainly didn't want to lose it as that point could be so vital. Somewhere along the line we will get what we deserve and hopefully that will come next Saturday.

"I don't want any negativity at the club this week. Next Saturday is the biggest game in Mansfield Town's history.

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"Dagenham now have two tough away games and we have to win our two home games. Then we go there ahead of them on the last day. Even if we win one and draw one of our two, we will probably go there level with them with a better goal difference."

Already shorn of Jake Buxton and Carl Muggleton, both Gareth Jelleyman (Achilles) and Mickey Boulding (knee) limped off during the game and Holland revealed: "To be honest neither of them should have started.

"But they wanted to give it a go to try to get us out of the hole we are in and that shows the character of the lads.

"There will be a long hard week of treatment ahead for all the injured lads. We have to ride these problems. I have to be very careful what I do this week as next Saturday is such a big game.

"Fans will look at the table tonight and be disappointed but I want them to stay positive and behind us. That table could look very different after the next two games."

Macclesfield are almost safe now but boss Keith Alexander said: "That was not one of out better performances so we have to be happy with a point.

"The players looked very nervous for some reason and we never got going. But if you look at the statistics, Mansfield's keeper had four saves to make in the first half while out keeper didn't have one to make all game."