First goal for Tyrese Sinclair earns Mansfield Town a late draw with Newport County

Mansfield's Tyrese Sinclair has his header cleared off the line by Newport's keeper Nick Townsend

Mansfield had twice hit the post before two bad mistakes laid County skipper Joss Labadie his 75th opener on a plate.

But Stags continued to press and got their reward when Sinclair blasted home his first senior goal with only six minutes to go.

Mansfield are now without a win in eight games but gave as good as they got against the Exiles aside of the errors that gave Newport the lead.

But victory again proved elusive as Stags fight for the win or two that will end any fears of being dragged into the relegation battle.

The night began with a two minute's silence following the death of Duke of Edinburgh Prince Philip earlier in the day.

Inside the first minute Lewis warmed Stone's hands with a 25 snapshot on the half volley but it was straight at him.

But Stags went much closer on three minutes as Quinn crossed to the far post where Sinclair's header clipped a post and was scooped off the line by Townsend with Stags claiming it had crossed. But play continued and Clarke sliced a follow-up wide.

On six minutes Sweeney was too high from a low Quinn pull back after Mansfield's first corner was not properly cleared.

Newport should have gone ahead on 26 minutes after Maris conceded a free kick to the left of the box. Sheehan floated it across and somehow Labadie bundled it wide from close range in front of goal.

Two minutes later Rawson headed a long McLaughlin free kick straight at County keeper Townsend.

Clarke caused danger when he lost possession for Mansfield on 31 minutes and Stone had to beat away a fierce Telford shot.

Then on 38 minutes Quinn cut in from the left, got a fortunate rebound off a defender and whipped a shot across goal and wide of the far post.

Sinclair was too high as he strained to get a head on a McLaughlin cross soon after, but the half ended goalless.

On the restart Stone did well to push a Sheehan free kick away from danger as it zipped into the six yard box.

On 57 Quinn hit the base of the far post after Bowery's intelligent pass slipped him to the left by-line.

Sinclair was again too high with a header from McLaughlin's 62nd minute cross.

A good 68th minute break by the visitors saw Labadie well over with the finish.

Then McLaughlin and Sinclair's passes set up Quinn only to send his low shot straight to Townsend.

But two bad errors by the home side gifted Newport the opener on 75 minutes.

Maris was caught in possession and Labadie raced on to rifle low at goal from 20 yards and Stone allowed it to squirm under him when he looked favourite to save.

Perch blazed over a half-cleared free kick as the home side looked for a way back.

And they were level with six minutes to go as Sinclair blocked a Shephard clearance and took possession to smash an unstoppable rising shot under the bar from the left.

It was all Stags in the exciting five added minutes but Newport stood firm.

MANSFIELD: Stone, Sweeney, Rawson, Clarke (Reid 80), Bowery, Maris, Perch, Quinn, McLaughlin, Sinclair, Lapslie. Subs not used: Stech, Ward, Benning, Charsley, Gordon, Law

NEWPORT: Townsend, Labadie, Dolan, Sheehan, Lewis, Bennett, Telford, Demetriou, Taylor (Scrimshaw 62), Shephard, Ledley (Collins 67). Subs not used: King, Amond, Longe-King, Gambin, Ellison.

REFEREE: Christopher Pollard.