Mansfield 2-1 Dag & Red: Match Report

28 February 2015 18:31

Brown bags late winner for Stags

Junior Brown stole three precious points with an 83rd-minute winner in Mansfield's 2-1 victory against relegation rivals Dagenham.

The Stags had gone in front through Reggie Lambe 52 seconds into the second half only to be pegged back by Jamie Cureton's 250th league goal on the hour.

But the Stags piled on the pressure, had two cleared off the line, and finally won it as they scored twice in a game for only the second time in five-and-a-half months.

A poor first half saw few chances with Dagenham looking the livelier and more inventive, almost scoring in the opening minute with a corner routine sent low to the near post where Scott Doe's cheeky backheel was straight to Lenny Pidgeley.

The Stags had looked sluggish and nervous, but in stoppage time almost stole a goal a when Jack Thomas lifted an acrobatic effort over from close range.

The hosts made the perfect start to the second half as Mark Cousins parried Brown's cross straight to Lambe who tucked home.

Cureton brought Dagenham level on the hour after a succession of quick passes gave him the ball on the right from where he drilled a low finish in off the far post.

Cousins made a smart save to deny Oliver, then Doe had to head a goalbound Lambe shot away.

The pressure mounted and Ogogo headed off the line before Brown broke through on 83 minutes.

A long Callum Elder throw was laid back by Billy Kee for Brown to zip home a powerful 12-yard finish.


Source: PA