Mansfield Town Ladies remain unbeaten in the East Midlands Women’s Regional Football League after their 3-3 draw with Loughborough Foxes.

The result at RH Academy marked the first time Stags have dropped points in the league so far this season but Andi Bell believes the result was a fair reflection of the highly competitive match-up.

It was a thrilling fixture of back-and-forth action between the two sides at the top of the table. Mansfield took the lead early on but found themselves playing catch-up as Loughborough went on to overtake twice.

In the end, a stoppage time header from Olivia Standeven forced the equaliser and clawed a point back for Stags.

Action from the Women’s FA Cup, Round 2 match against Ossett Utd Ladies FC at the One Call Stadium, 20 Sept 2026, Photo credit Chris & Jeanette Holloway / The Bigger Picture.media

placeholder image — Action from the Women’s FA Cup, Round 2 match against Ossett Utd Ladies FC at the One Call Stadium, 20 Sept 2026, Photo credit Chris & Jeanette Holloway / The Bigger Picture.media

Standeven was named Player of the Match thanks to her two goals, which sandwiched an effort from the in-form Millie Mellors right after half-time.

“I think it was actually a really good advert for this league. There were two good sides playing and I think even was probably about fair for the game,” Bell reflected at full-time.

“They were on top in parts, we were on top in parts. We started really well, the first 15 to 20 minutes we were really good and then we dropped off a little bit and let a good side back into the game.

“I'm a bit frustrated with how we’ve conceded. It’s things we can do better but we scored some good goals as well and I’m delighted with the character to stay in the game and get a point right at the end. That showed real resilience for me.”

The draw keeps Mansfield Town at the top of the EMWRFL standings, still yet to be beaten this season. Stags have 16 points on the board from six games played so far, while closest rivals Loughborough sit seven points behind with a game in-hand.

Bell’s aim for this season is to clinch promotion with Mansfield Town but she doesn’t want to look too far ahead just yet.

“It’s far too early to be talking about titles, if I’m honest. But for this game, and to keep our unbeaten run going, it was really important against a side who will be there or there abouts against us as one of our main challengers.”