Away day misery continues for Mansfield Town with defeat at Barrow

Nigel Clough's side were beaten at Barrow. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)

Mansfield Town’s troubles on the road continued with a third straight away defeat.

The stuttering Stags have failed to win any of their last five away from home.

Patrick Brough bagged a quick-fire second-half brace after Ryan Sweeney’s game-changing sending off at Holker Street.

And this latest disappointing defeat means Nigel Clough’s charges have won just one of their last eight.

More worryingly is the fact the goal-shy Stags have scored just once in their last 468 minutes of football.

Clough made a solitary change after losing at in-form Bradford last time out.

George Maris missed out with a groin problem with Harry Charsley his replacement and Clough was boosted after skipper Ollie Clarke’s red card was rescinded.

The Stags came close to an early opener when Jordan Bowery’s cross evaded Charsley at the back post.

And the visitors were fortunate Bleubirds’ striker Scott Quigley stabbed Jamie Devitt’s free-kick over the bar.

Down the other end Clarke squandered a big chance when he nodded Mal Benning’s cross over.

Jordan Bowery failed to fire home a rebound after stopper Joel Dixon did well to get down at Jamie Reid’s feet.

The Stags burst out of the blocks after the break as Charsley’s effort was superbly tipped over the bar by stopper Joel Dixon.

But their momentum was halted when Ryan Sweeney was shown a second yellow card for bringing down Quigley.

And to make matters worse number one Aidan Stone was replaced by Marek Stech after Stone was forced off injured.

Barrow took advantage of a Mansfield mistake as Brough slid home the opener in the 74th minute.

The Stags almost immediately restored parity when Bowery’s header forced Dixon into a fine save.

And the game was dead and buried when Brough smashed home a second with 13 minutes left.

Substitute keeper Marek Stech produced two late saves to keep out Scott Quigley.

Barrow: Dixon, Barry, Davies, Brough, Jones, Ntlhe, J Taylor, C Taylor (Beadling, 53), Kay (James, 84), Devitt, Quigley; Subs: Lillis, Eardley, Thomas, Banks.

Mansfield Town: Stone (Stech, 67), Benning, Sweeney, Rawson, Charsley (Perch, 64), O Clarke, Bowery (Sinclair, 79), Gordon (Wright, 79), Quinn (Ward, 79), Reid, Law; Subs: O’Keefe, J Clarke.

Referee: Carl Boyeson (East Yorkshire)