Prior to Tuesday night, Johnnie Jackson’s side had not conceded a single goal at home. Enter the Stags.
A dominant first half ended 2-0 in Mansfield’s favour after Michael Smith scored two headed goals in the space of five minutes.
The second half showed Stags’ defensive abilities as they held firm against wave after wave of threats from Wimbledon, who were desperate to get a foot back into the game.
But Jon Russell hammered the final nail into the coffin with a sweet finish in the 73rd minute to score his third goal of the season. Smith made sure he got in on all of the evening’s goal-scoring action as he delivered the ball on a plate for the midfielder to fire home.
Stags’ winless run on the road finally comes to an end and their result against Wimbledon puts them tenth in the League One table.
In a fitting occasion to mark Nigel Clough’s record-breaking 275th league game in charge, here’s how the players performed for their latest result.
1. Liam Roberts
Had some scares in the second half as Wimbledon launched wave after wave of attacks at 2-0 down but he did well to deal with everything that came his way for a huge clean sheet in Mansfield Town's first away win of the season. Photo: UGC
2. Jordan Bowery
Made his first appearance of the season and looked good out there in a big result for Stags. Put in some safe defending throughout the match and got himself involved in some attacking play as well, notably sending a smart ball to the feet of George Abbott early on for a good opportunity to score, but the attempt was easily saved. Photo: UGC
3. Deji Oshilaja
Another solid performance from Oshilaja, who proves time and time again why he is a consistent starter. Dealt with danger well following a first half free-kick and put in strong headers and interceptions to shut down Wimbledon threats. Picked up a yellow card on 41 minutes for a foul as he threw himself into the challenge to deny the Dons a chance to break. Photo: UGC
4. Ryan Sweeney
Held up well against his former side, especially during Wimbledon's flurry of attacks after the break. Was a big presence in the box during the second half as the home side piled on the pressure to find a foot back into the game. Photo: UGC