Stags were not at their usual defensive best in the first half and found themselves 1-0 down at the break after Harry Lewis made a number of key saves to keep Stags in the game.
It was a much more controlled second half with Stags enjoying plenty of possesion but lacking that little bit of magic where it counted to get back in the game.
But the visitors were denied an equaliser when Michael Smith’s goal was ruled our due to a foul being given on the keeper. It was a call that left Nigel Clough fuming and calling into question the quality of substitute referee Samuel Clayton, who had replaced the injured Zac Kennard-Kettle at half-time.
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13. Bradford 1 Stags 0
Mansfield Town were unable to find the breakthrough on a frustrating afternoon in Bradford. Photo: Chris and Jeanette Holloway
14. Bradford 1 Stags 0
Mansfield Town were unable to find the breakthrough on a frustrating afternoon in Bradford. Photo: Chris and Jeanette Holloway
15. Bradford 1 Stags 0
Mansfield Town were unable to find the breakthrough on a frustrating afternoon in Bradford. Photo: Chris and Jeanette Holloway
16. All rights reserved. No unauthorised use of the photo is permitted without permission from 'The Bigger Picture.media' : Bradford 1 Stags 0
Mansfield fans during the Sky Bet League 1 match against Bradford City AFC at the Mbanq Valley Parade, 05 Sept 2026, Photo credit Chris & Jeanette Holloway / The Bigger Picture.media : Mansfield Town were unable to find the breakthrough on a frustrating afternoon in Bradford. Photo: Pic : Chris & Jeanette Holloway : Chris and Jeanette Holloway