Mansfield Town boss Nigel Clough praises 'sensible' approach of referee Alan Young

Clough was impressed by the ‘sensible’ approach of referee Alan Young and his team during the 1-1 draw.

The game also saw an agreement between Clough and his Walsall counterpart Darrell Clarke to forgo second half stoppage time.

“I spoke to the head of referees after the game,” said Clough. “Usually when I speak to him it is to moan about the performance of his referees.

“This time I said how well they did managing the game. I looked over to Darrell (Clarke) with 89 mins and 20 odd seconds on the clock and said what do you think?

“He said if I was happy at 90 mins then he was as well so we didn't have stoppage time. You can call the game off after 75 mins anyway and the result stands.

“The referee had slipped in the centre of the pitch in the second half. He is not dealing with the ball or other players and couldn't keep his footing.

“I didn't see the point of stoppage time for the sake of three minutes. The pitch was getting very hard. All it takes is an aerial challenge and someone falls heavily or bangs their head and you could have a situation you didn't need to have.

“It was a brilliant, and a sensible approach from everyone.”

Substitute Ollie Clarke’s 31st-minute equaliser cancelled out Lincoln loanee Max Melbourne’s debut goal on a bitterly cold evening at the Bescot Stadium.

Despite failing to extend their winning streak, Nigel Clough's side are now unbeaten in seven league games.