Mansfield Town lost 2-1 to Peterborough United in a pre-season friendly at the London Road Stadium. The Stags conceded goals either side of half-time before Stephen Wearne netted a late consolation in the final minute.
Nigel Clough used the match to assess his squad ahead of the League One campaign, which sees Mansfield currently 11th with three points from two games. The club's official website, Mansfield Town FC, reported the details of the fixture. This result forms part of their preparations for a home match against third-placed Luton on August 30th.
How did the match unfold?
Peterborough took the lead in the 15th minute through Malik Mothersille. Mansfield's starting eleven, which included Christy Pym in goal and Davis Keillor-Dunn in midfield, was unable to find an equaliser before the break. Nigel Clough made wholesale changes at half-time, swapping all eleven starters for a fresh lineup.
The second-half group conceded again eight minutes after the restart. Jonson Clarke-Harris doubled Peterborough's advantage in the 53rd minute. Mansfield's trialist midfielder and forward were introduced as part of the new XI, which featured Scott Flinders between the posts. The Stags pushed late and were rewarded when Stephen Wearne scored in the 90th minute, making the final score 2-1.
What was the team selection?
Clough fielded a strong first-half side. The lineup was Christy Pym, George Cooper, Aden Flint, Baily Cargill, Stephen McLaughlin, Louis Reed, Stephen Quinn, Davis Keillor-Dunn, Hiram Boateng, Jordan Bowery, and Lucas Akins. This group played the opening 45 minutes before being substituted en masse.
The manager then gave minutes to a completely different set of players after half-time. Scott Flinders took over in goal. The outfield players were Calum Macdonald, Lewis Brunt, George Williams, James Gale, Ollie Clarke, Will Swan, Aaron Lewis, and Stephen Wearne. Two unnamed trialists, one a midfielder and the other a forward, also featured in the second period. You can view the full roster on our squad page.
Where does this leave Mansfield's pre-season?
This friendly was a final tune-up before the serious business of the league season continues. The Stags have scored three and conceded three in their opening two League One fixtures, leaving them with a neutral goal difference. They sit three points behind early leaders Bradford City.
The late goal from Wearne provides a positive note despite the defeat. It also offers Nigel Clough further information on his squad depth and the trialists under consideration. The team's current form in the league is a win and a loss from their first two matches.
What is next for the Stags?
Attention now turns fully to the league campaign. Mansfield's next challenge is a significant one, hosting high-flying Luton at Field Mill. Luton currently occupy third place in the table, making it a tough test for Clough's men.
Building on their current mid-table position will require converting pre-season work into competitive points. The team will look to top scorer Rhys Oates, who has one goal in two appearances this season, for a threat in attack. Fans can track the club's progress and upcoming matches on our standings and fixtures pages.
