Stags get the points...

Stevenage were shaded out at Mansfield Town as a lone first half goal by Kane Hemmings won the contest for the hosts.

In a game of few chances for either side, Boro matched Mansfield for much of the game but couldn’t hit the target when the opportunies came.

Just like last time out, an individual error proved costly as Stevenage now focus on Tuesday’s home game against Coventry.

Darren Sarll named an unchanged line-up from the team that drew 1-1 at home to Notts County last Saturday and his side began the game on top with three good chances to score inside the first ten minutes.

Matty Godden fired over on the volley just a few minutes into the game, Tom Pett failed to keep his 20 yard strike under the bar and somehow no Stevenage man could turn in Martin’s corner which fizzed right across a busy 6 yard box.

The home side began to grow into the game though as MacDonald and Spencer both couldn’t hit the target from promising positions and not long after, the Stags went ahead.

Joe Fryer the unfortunate man to make the crucial mistake – misjudging a deep cross into the box, leaving a simple tap-in for Kane Hemmings.

Martin came close to an instant reply from a free-kick in his trademark range but with a goal in their sails, Mansfield went onto have the better of the remainder of the half, without creating any clear cut chances.

Their best one coming when Fryer kept out Spencer with a diving save towards the top corner and deep into added time, Boro could have levelled as Chris Whelpdale worked the space inside the box before an errant shot flew over the bar.

First Year Pro, Mark McKee entered the game at half-time as Harry Beautyman made way and the young midfielder impressed during his time on the pitch.

Fryer again kept out Spencer early in the second half as he denied the Mansfield man from a header off a corner and Wilkinson saw his own header turned away down at the other end as his effort was cleared off the line.

Not long after, there was mass confusion as the referee disallowed a Stags goal for a foul on the Stevenage goalkeeper. The message not quite getting across to the celebrating Mansfield players.

Boro enjoyed large spells of possession and territory in the second half without ultimately making it count. A well-disciplined Mansfield defence thwarting most threats as the final ball and/or decision was just lacking.

With the game stretched and Boro throwing everyone forward, the hosts could have sealed the result inside the final 10 minutes as Hemmings and Atkinson saw chances go missing.

Despite their best efforts, Stevenage couldn’t find the equaliser as attentions now turn to Tuesday night’s game at home to Coventry.