Mansfield Town boss Nigel Clough pleased to see off Stevenage in the FA Cup after worst 45 minutes of the season

Stags had lost three games in a row and, after eight changes to the side, struggled to make any sort of impact in today's first half.

But Stephen McLaughlin volleyed Mansfield ahead just after the break and that proved enough to send Stags into the Third Round hat with the big boys on Monday.

“The first 45 minutes was by far the worst we have played this season,” said Clough.

“We were poor against Stevenage at home in the league a few weeks back, but we were worse today and they could have been out of sight.

“But a combination of good saves and good defending kept us in the game.

“Stevenage were very good in that first half and caused us a lot of problems with their movement. We looked completely flat and we just couldn't wait for half-time.”

He continued: “We had been due a bit of good fortune, having played as well as we have in the last three games and lost all three. It's ironic you give your worst performance then and come away with a win.

“We got the goal and generally looked after it very well indeed.

“Macca put in a great finish through a crowd of bodies which gave us a real lift and we played all right after that.

“The battling qualities were there today, certainly in the second half.

“We were delighted to see Alfie Kilgour get 90 minutes and a few others who needed it too.

“We can't wait to see who we get in the Third Round now.”

Making a rare start, Ben Quinn had to come off injured in the second half and Clough said it looked like it was a dislocated shoulder.