LOMAS ON STAGS: Debut day to forget for young keeper Pardington at Salford

Rawson was flattened in a collision with young sub keeper Jamie Pardington and needed oxygen on the pitch before being stretchered off.

The huge frame of Rawson stayed motionless for a long time which was scary for all concerned and it was fantastic news that he was later discharged from Salford hospital and feeling much better – though doubtless he will be keeping Paracetamol in business for a few days still.

And, while Rawson suffered the physical pain, 20-year-old Wolves loanee Pardington must have suffered terrible mental anguish about how sour his unexpected debut had turned.

Stags had been well in the game for most of it, trailing to two very well taken goals. And it could have been very different had Tyrese Sinclair tucked away an early chance for Mansfield. However, even two behind, a red card for Richie Towell for kicking out at Kellan Gordon on 68 minutes offered hope of an exciting finish and a possible Stags revival.

But after Aidan Stone had conceded and saved a 74th minute penalty, Pardington was suprisingly sent on for a late taste of the action and made the shakiest of starts as he sliced his first kick into touch and then sent the ball straight to an opponent soon after.

Then came the sickening collison and it is to be hoped Rawson will not suffer any long term damage, though we are unlikely to see him again in the last two games of this season.

With Oldham the final visitors to the One Call Stadium on Saturday I would expect Pardington to get a full game if he is in the right frame of mind. He looked distraught after the clash and will doubtless be replaying it in his head this week. But there was no blame, it was just one of those unfortunate moments in football.

We could also see young defenders Jamie Clarke and Jadon Charles given a chance to show Clough what they can do ahead of him making summer decisions this weekend.

Poor home results and too many draws have been Stags’ undoing this season so it would be nice to end the home games on a high and leapfrog Oldham.