Matchwinner Aaron Lewis unlucky not be starting for Mansfield Town says boss Nigel Clough

The 26-year-old, a summer signing from Newport County in 2023, was Mansfield's matchwinner with his late goal in Saturday's 2-1 home win over Shrewsbury Town, having come on as a second half substitute, and Clough said if he kept doing that he would be pushing himself much closer to a start.

“He has probably been unlucky not getting a start but we are very strong in the midfield area with Louis Reed, Hiram Boateng and Keanu Baccus,” said Clough.

“So it's been tough for him to get in.

“But I think he has done well when he has been on, even in the 3-0 defeat to Bradford.

“His attitude has always been absolutely spot on and he is another one who gives us a bit of flexibility in terms of being able to play full back, wing back or midfield.

“And we never have any hesitation in starting him or putting him on.

“Obviously if he keeps getting goals like Saturday he will get even closer.”