MATCH REPORT: Cheltenham 0 Stags 0

Mansfield Town's Ben Whiteman - Photo by Chris Holloway

Both sides missed that killer finish in a rather drab affair as the visitors at least extended their recent impressive run to just one defeat in their last 13 games.

The hosts opened brightly and almost opened the scoring in the seventh minute when Liam Davis’s curling strike whizzed inches past the post.

Cheltenham were then dealt a blow after 18 minutes when Kyle Storer was red-carded for what looked like a clear stamp on Jamie McGuire.

Being reduced in numbers didn’t seem to affect Cheltenham, though, and they came close again shortly after when Kyle Wootton dragged a strike narrowly wide.

The Stags’ first clear opportunity came in the 32nd minute.

Ben Whiteman did well to find himself some space in the hosts’ box, only to then fire a left-footed shot disappointingly wide.

Krystian Pearce then saw a goal-bound effort blocked as the Stags looked to take advantage.

Pat Hoban was the next to go close as his rising shot just cleared the crossbar.

The hosts produced the better start to the second period, with Harry Pell going close to making a breakthrough.

The Stags responded with Hoban sending in a cross which only just cleared the far post.

Alex MacDonald also threatened when he sent a header wide from Whiteman’s smart cross.

The Stags were sensing blood, but the ball just wouldn’t go in.

Next to almost strike was Lee Collins, whose well-executed strike flew just the wrong side of the post.

Yoann Arquin thought he’d finally struck for the Stags with 10 minutes to go, but his shot wasn’t quite on target.