AFC Mansfield drop two points in Westella VIP draw

Title-chasing AFC Mansfield dropped two vital points in a 1-1 draw with Westella VIP on Saturday.

The Bulls dominated the game but were unable to convert their chances and take all three points.

AFC had to wait until the 73 minute to cancel out a Brett Thomas first half header.

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Captain Chris Timons provided the goal with Thomas a little fortunate to still be on the field after two ugly challenges in the opening 15 minutes that drew just a telling off from the referee.

Westella had to rely on some last ditch defending at times as AFC piled on the pressure.

Nathan Swindells looked dangerous as he carved out space down the right flank.

It was a blow when with their first effort on goal, the visitors went in front on 26 minutes.

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A cross from the right was only half cleared and when a similar ball came in from the left Thomas got in between two defenders to head home from eight yards.

A minute later Ryan Williams fired over the bar after more good approach work from Swindells.

Mark Dudley then fired straight at Derek Peat before Danny Naylor had the keeper at full strtch with a 30 yard low drive that zipped past the left hand post.

Nathan Swindells then lifted the ball over Peat as he rushed out but the effort went narrowly wide on 39 minutes.

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Peat was in action again five minutes into the restart, saving Luke Jeffs edge of the box shot.

Grant Allott was next to try his luck with a header the ball scrambled off the line by Andy Coverdale on 58 minutes.

The Bulls finally broke down the visitors on 73 minutes when a Ryan Williams shot was turned around the post for a corner.

When the ball came in captain Timons was strongest in a sea of players to head home in the six yard box.

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More chances came and went as AFC camped out in the Westella half.

Jimmy Ghaichem fired over from eight yards and Grant Allott headed over when both efforts should have been on target.

AFC Mansfield are still second in the league but need to start converting the chances they are creating to remain there.

The Bulls are at home again on Wednesday night when they entertain Hall Road Rangers at The Forest Town Arena, kick off 7.45pm.

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AFC Mansfield: White, Marriott (Ghaichem 73), Jeffs, Allott, Timons (C), Naylor, Williams R, Buxton, Swindells (Rick 80), Mitchell, Dudley.

Subs not used: Park, Sowter, Williams D.

Westella VIP: Peat, Dodson, Coverdale, Sheppard, Atkinson, Williamson, Wood, Thomas (Spinks 71), Fyvie (C), Flounders, McFayden.

Subs not used: Andrew, Hewitt, Stone, McIntyre

Referee: Andreww Price.

Attendance: 63.

Man-of-the-match: Chris Timons.