Fine margins again says Mansfield Town boss Nigel Clough after third narrow defeat in a row as Leyton Orient take the points

Stags led after only three minutes, trailed after the break, levelled through George Maris and were then sunk by a goal of the season contender by Charlie Kelman.

This was a third one-goal defeat in a row as Stags try to muster the final points needed to be mathematically safe.

“It was a very good performance and once again fine margins,” said Clough.

“It was a third straight defeat by one goal and we have been in the game in all of them, scored in all the games, one against a side in the top six and the other two close to the top six, and we had six or seven players and there wasn't a lot in it again.

“The quality of our crossing tonight was very good but the ball just didn't drop for us in the penalty area.

“We scored a very good early goal and were a quarter of an inch from making it 2-0 when we rattled the bar and it must have landed almost on the line.

“Orient had one shot in the first half and they scored a great goal.

“In the second half I was very disappointed with the second goal.

“But we rallied again and George Maris came on and got us the second goal.

“Then we were beaten by an unbelievable goal – a goal of the season contender.

“No team in the world could have stopped that one.”

Clough believes referee Charles Breakspear should have given them two spot kicks on the night.

“I thought we should have had two penalties – one on Lucas Akins in the first half when he was in a headlock and one late on when Jordan Rhodes was smashed in the face,” said Clough.

“I just cannot believe it wasn't given as the referee was looking straight at it.

“We just want some just decisions and to not get either decision we feel very hard done by.”

Stags' home game with Peterborough United this weekend has been called off due to Posh reaching the EFL Trophy final at Wembley.

“I wish it wasn't a 10-day break now in lots of ways but I think we need it and we will come back ready to have a go at Rotherham a week on Friday,” he said.

Matty Craig (sore groin), George Williams (fatigue) and Will Evans (gashed foot) missed out tonight but should be fit by Easter.