"I'm sure next year they'll be right up and amongst them." Forest Green Rovers boss Mark Cooper tips Mansfield Town to become promotion contenders

Mark Cooper is tipping Mansfield Town to become promotion contenders... but the Forest Green Rovers boss believes his side should have left One Call Stadium with three points.

The League Two rivals had to settle for a goalless draw last night following an exciting, open contest.

"It's a clean sheet. It's frustrating we've not got three points. I thought it was a good game, two teams going for it," Cooper told Rovers' YouTube channel.

"You're not going to come to Mansfield and have them lie down for you. They beat Cheltenham here two weeks ago, convincingly.

"They've got some good players, they play a diamond and they're difficult to play against.

"I'm sure next year they'll be right up and amongst them."

Stags stopper Aidan Stone pulled off a marvellous reaction save to tip away Jamille Matt's goalbound header, a chance that Cooper felt should have been rewarded with three points.

"When you have a chance like Jamma's got at the end, you have to score it," he added.

"I can't question the commitment, the boys had a right go.

"We got into some brilliant positions tonight but didn't produce that bit of quality that's needed to win games.

"So, pleased with the point, could have been three. But we need a bit more quality at the top of the pitch."

MORE STAGS: ‘Best we’ve played’ – Clough

MORE STAGS: Mansfield 0 Rovers 0 – pictures

MORE STAGS: Mansfield 0 Rovers 0 – report