Mohamed sees off the Stags
A solitary first-half goal from Kaid Mohamed earned Northampton a 1-0 opening day victory over Mansfield.
Alex Fisher went close as the Stags made the brighter start but Lee Collins fired into the side-netting at the other end. Mansfield continued to have the better of the opening exchanges but it was Northampton who broke the deadlock in the 26th minute when Mohamed rose well to head home Darren Carter's corner.
Mansfield responded well with Ryan Tafazolli shooting straight at Matt Duke but new signing John-Joe O'Toole went close to doubling the Cobblers' advantage when he was denied by Sascha Studer.
Duke produced a reflex save to keep out Tafazolli's header just before the break and Robert Taylor fired wide from the edge of the box.
The hosts had the better of the second half and had chances to increase their lead. Carter twice went close, Chris Hackett was denied by Studer while Marc Richards and substitute Ivan Toney both missed excellent chances late on to make the game safe but in the end it was Mohamed's first goal which proved decisive.
Source: PA
