Mansfield Town boss Nigel Clough slammed more costly mistakes by his side as they twice allowed AFC Wimbledon back into this afternoon's 2-2 home draw.

Jon Russell's brace twice put Stags ahead, but a sloppy pass and a needless penalty conceded saw the game end all square on a sodden surface.

“That was two points thrown away from the positions we have been in today, being ahead twice,” said Clough.

“We started the game really well and scored a good goal, then we go and shoot ourselves in the foot again and give another goal away.

Action during the Sky Bet League 1 match against AFC Wimbledon at the One Call Stadium, 28 Feb 2026, Photo credit Chris & Jeanette Holloway / The Bigger Picture.media

placeholder image — Action during the Sky Bet League 1 match against AFC Wimbledon at the One Call Stadium, 28 Feb 2026, Photo credit Chris & Jeanette Holloway / The Bigger Picture.media

“We told the players yesterday that we can't afford to make the mistakes we have been making, but they then go and do it again.

“We scored another brilliant goal as Tyler Roberts put Jon Russell through.

“But then we go and give another penalty away.

“I don't know how many that is this season but it's far too many.

“It worries me about our unprofessional nature when we give away that many penalties over the course of a season.”

He continued: “We are having to work incredibly hard to create chances – no one is making mistakes against us or giving us goals like we are giving them to the opposition.

“That is all that's stopping us as the general performance was very good indeed.

“It is just poor execution around the penalty area and the two mistakes. We are also getting punished for everything. Every half mistake ends up in the back of our net.

“We had so many chances in that second half but they could have nicked it as well and that is what you are fearful of. Over the course of the game it should have been a comfortable three points.”

Stags had a last gasp shout for a penalty for handball against Ryan Johnson and Clough said: “I could not tell from where we were.

“It certainly hit his arm, very similar to Jordan Bowery's at Exeter, and that was given by a linesman from 55 yards away.

“It's another break we don't seem to be getting. I don't know what we have to do to get a penalty at the moment. But that is not the reason we did not win today.

“The ony good thing is we've stopped the rot in terms of defeats and got to the 40 point mark.

“But games like today and the Peterborough one are really hurting us and we should have another five points on the board as performances are good enough.”

Luke Bolton missed the game with a tight calf and will hope to be fit for the bg FA Cup clash with Arsenal next weekend.