Mansfield Town forced to to settle for a point against Tranmere Rovers

Mansfield Town kicked off their League two campaign by picking up a point against Tranmere Rovers.

However, the Stags could be left wondering how it wasn't all three after dominating the chances in at the One Call Stadium in a contest which ended goalless.

Graham Coughlan showed Rovers - relegated from League One by points per game last season - plenty of respect in the build-up to the contest.

But as the campaign kicked off, Town were more than a match for Tranmere.

The first chance of the game fell to the Stags, Rollin Menayase seeing an effort blocked on the edge of the Rovers' penalty area.

Minutes later and Rovers defender Peter Clarke's blushes were spared when his header looked set to fly into his own net, only for the ball to strike the crossbar.

As the pressure continued, George Maris saw an effort blocked and Harry Charsley fired Andy Cook's knock down wide of the mark.

It was Town keeper Marek Stech who was called upon to make the first real save of the game, keeping Kieron Morris' low long-ranger out.

The second half began in the same vein as the first, with the hosts asking questions.

Marris' cross was met by Jordan Bowery, whose header flew wide, before Ollie Clarke saw an effort blocked.

Two chances fell to Cook, who saw a header fly straight at Scott Davies and a strike deflected off target.

Into the final minutes and Cook went close again, only for his long ranger to find the side netting.

Deep into stoppage time Tyrese Sinclair looked to cap his league debut with the winner, but Davies pulled off a fine save.

STAGS: Stech, Menayese, Rawson, Sweeney, O'Keeffe, O. Clarke, Charsley (Sinclair 83), Benning, Maris, Bowery (Maynard 75), Cook; Subs (not used): Stone, Gordon, Perch, O'Driscoll, Reid.

ROVERS: Davies, Ridehalgh, Clarke, Mothe, O'Connor, Morris, Banks, Spearing, MacDonald (Ellis 65), Khan, Vaughan; Subs (not used): Murphy, Walker-Rice, Nelson, Lewis, Payne, Hayde.

REF: James Bell.