Mansfield Town banked back-to-back away wins over AFC Wimbledon and Blackpool last week.

The six points earned put Stags up to ninth in the League One table, just two outside of the play-off bracket as things stand.

Now unbeaten in six games, things look like they are really clicking at Mansfield Town as they look to improve on last season’s tenth-place finish.

Jon Russell starred in both games as he scored against AFC Wimbledon and notched an assist against Blackpool to set up Michael Smith. The midfielder now has six goal-scoring contributions in seven league appearances this season.

Jon Russell celebrates during the Sky Bet League One match against AFC Wimbledon at Stadium Plough Lane, 20 Oct 2026, Photo credit Chris & Jeanette Holloway / The Bigger Picture.media

placeholder image — Jon Russell celebrates during the Sky Bet League One match against AFC Wimbledon at Stadium Plough Lane, 20 Oct 2026, Photo credit Chris & Jeanette Holloway / The Bigger Picture.media

Reflecting on his performance after Saturday’s clash at Bloomfield Road, Russell said he and Smith ‘like to complement each other’ on the pitch. Smith had previously teed him up for his goal against Wimbledon, having squared the ball for Russell’s neat finish and Stags’ third in London.

Rhys Oates and Tyler Roberts both got in on the goal-scoring action against Blackpool, as both strikers came off the bench to contribute to the 4-1 win. Roberts opened up his account for the season after struggling with injuries, while Oates scored his first since the opener against Doncaster Rovers.

“Incredible subs came on and completely changed the game – Oatesy and Tyler with their amazing finishes,” Russell told club media. “To have that on the bench to come on, it’s a game-changer. We’re delighted for them. As a team, we’re very complimenting of each other and we give praises where it’s due.”

Stags went into half-time at 1-1, after Dion Charles’ equaliser cancelled out Smith’s 17th-minute goal. The Mansfield target man also missed a penalty opportunity before the break but if anything, it spurred the team on to finish the job in the second half.

“We knew as a team their goal wasn’t going to affect us and it didn’t. To miss a penalty and then come out after that is a top performance and we’re really delighted with that. It shows our character,” Russell continued.

“It’s been a great week and we’ve been travelling as well. It’s a long journey to London and it’s good that the journey didn’t affect us. We look to get as many goals as possible each game and be clinical, and this week has been a good week.

“We look to continue to do the same – it’s not going to be rainbows every week but as long as our mentality and character is there, we will be all right.”