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.
9. Liam Thompson
Tonight's display wasn't as creative as some of his others but Thompson continues to show why he's jumped immediately into Stags' starting XI. Always looks a handful for defending as he draws fouls and creates trouble with his quick feet. Had a big chance to score early on as Reed played him through but missed at close range. Looked good once again when drifting out wide on the left. Photo: Chris & Jeanette Holloway
10. Stephen McLaughlin
Looked great down the left-hand side and kept finding himself in space that Wimbledon really shouldn't have given him. Floated in some brilliant balls, two of which found Michael Smith for both of his goals. His pinpoint crossing was a real handful for the Dons to deal with. Overall, he put in a tireless shift to contribute to Stags' first away win. Photo: UGC
11. Michael Smith
Missed two chances early on but scored two superb headers in the space of five minutes to put Stags on top in the first half. Was right where he needed to be in the box and made the goals look easy with his towering presence. The kind of goals you really want your centre-forward putting away and he made sure he didn't miss those opportunities. Smith turned provider in the second half with a square ball to Jon Russell, who tucked away the shot. Photo: Mansfield Town
12. Rhys Oates
Came on for George Abbott after half-time but had very little involvement for most of the second half as Wimbledon pushed to find a way back into the match. Oates kept his eye out for chances to break and did well to draw a foul on 70 minutes, as he would have been well away without the challenge. He had a superb crack at scoring in stoppage time but his effort was pushed onto the crossbar. Photo: UGC