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.
5. Nathan Moriah-Welsh
Continues to show how much he is enjoying playing in the right wing-back role, both as an attacker and in more defensive situations. He did well to contain his man out wide, tracking back and closing down attacks. The bulk of Stags' threat in the first half came from the left but he did well to keep things calm on the right. Came off for Kyle Knoyle on the hour mark to shore up at the back. Photo: UGC
6. Louis Reed
Looked calm in midfield as he usually does, especially when Wimbledon picked it up a bit in the first half after going 2-0 down. Sent in a good long ball in the first half to spark an attack for Stags and was quick to recover and nick the ball back when required of him. Photo: UGC
7. George Abbott
Only played the first 45 minutes but put in a huge shift all over the park. Ran his socks off as he contributed to both attacking and defensive play. Started to really come into himself with creative opportunities and looked lively both in midfield and out wide. Had a big chance to get himself on the scoresheet around the half hour mark but couldn't find the back of the net. Came off for Rhys Oates after half-time. Photo: UGC
8. Jon Russell
Looked threatening in the first half with some good balls into the box and nearly set up a goal 35 minutes in with a superb pass through to George Abbott. Russell put the match to bed with Stags' third goal as he received a neat pass in the box from Smith, turned away from all his defenders and fired home for his third of the season. Photo: UGC