Stags reserves beat Doncaster to stay on title course

The impressive Lee Stevenson put Mansfield ahead with a well-placed finish from a low Paul Black cross five minutes before the break, and Anthony Howell, another of the night’s better performers playing on the right of midfield, doubled the lead on 52 minutes after Ollie Palmer, playing a lone role up front, helped on Liam Marsden’s ball to Howell, six yards from goal.

Rovers, whose side contained experienced players such as James Harper, Andy Griffin and former Real Madrid star Marc De Val Fernandez, came closest early in the game when, at 0-0, Lewis Ferguson struck a post.

Godfrey Poku again turned in an enthusiastic display as he battles for a chance in the first team while Lindon Meikle looked back to his best on the left.

The display cheered manager Paul Cox after Friday’s night’s 3-0 first team thumping at Southend, and he said: “It was a very strong Doncaster reserves side and I was very pleased with the performance and the result.

“I had boys out there really champing at the bit. I won’t make panic decisions but, ultimately, I need to respond to Friday.

“There was an unbelievable desire to get in the side and that has brought a smile back to my face. I know I have some hungry boys here.”

STAGS: Deakin, Marsden, Birch, Jennings, Black, Meikle, Poku, Murtagh, Howell, Stevenson, Palmer. Subs: Fell, Hemagou, J. Thomas, Green, Lamb.