Crewe boss Lee Bell was delighted to see his side end Mansfield’s unbeaten home record and strengthen their own promotion claims.
Joe White’s finish just over a minute into the game proved enough for Bell to make a winning return to his former club and prevent them going top of League Two.
And a second win of the week moved Alex to within five points of the automatic promotion places.
“That was a really hard-fought three points,” said Bell, who spent a year of his playing career with the Stags.
“We had to ride our luck at times which has been missing. But we didn’t give away any real clear-cut opportunities.
“Mansfield have not lost at home since April so this was a fantastic three points.
“Our gameplan worked for large parts and the players carried out their instructions without the football to a tee.
“The effort, fire and desire we showed was frightening. That’s what you need to do when you come to Mansfield. For me they are the best team in the league and have a bit of everything.
“We defended our box brilliantly to a man, blocking crosses, not allowing their man to get across us and the keeper coming up with saves when needed.
“We stood up to everything on the physical side, so credit to the players for showing another side to a Crewe team that I don’t think we have seen for a long time.”
Mansfield were punished for trying to play the ball out of their box under pressure after 75 seconds as they lost possession and Newcastle loanee White drilled home a low finish.
Lucas Akins should have quickly levelled but sent a free header wide from eight yard.
After that Crewe defended magnificently and goalkeeper Tom Booth saved superbly from George Maris and Stephen Quinn in the first half and, crucially, tipped over a Baily Cargill free-kick in stoppage time.
Mansfield boss Nigel Clough was upset by the early goal conceded and said: “We are bitterly disappointed to lose for only the second time in 24 games or not get even a point. Sometimes even a point at home is a good result.
“The goal we conceded after 90 seconds or so cost us the game today.
“I don’t know if complacency is the word, or sloppiness crept in.
“The reason we have the best defensive record in the league is that we don’t give goals away like that.
“The ball is in our penalty area, it goes away – it’s cleared, no second thoughts or questions whether it’s 90 seconds in or 90 seconds to go.
“That has been our principle and why we haven’t conceded.
“Maybe one or two are getting carried away with the result last week at Stockport. We certainly weren’t staff-wise. And we knew this would be a harder game in lots of ways.
“They are a good team in the top seven.
“I thought we were OK after the first 20 minutes and controlled the game.
“We put an awful lot of balls in the box and won a lot of corners. We just needed someone to finish one off or a break in the six-yard box which we didn’t get today.
“I think we deserved to level. But when you give any team a 1-0 lead almost from the start of the game it doesn’t half incentivise them and give them something to hang on to.”
Marcus Rashford looks set to get his dream transfer from Man Utd to Barcelona.Marcus Rashford is set to join Barcelona.Marcus Rashford is on the brink of a dream move to Barcelona after the La Liga champions struck an agreement with Manchester United, according to reports. The 27-year-old forward, one of five first-team players exiled from Ruben Amorim's pre-season plans, looks set to land at the ...
Eddie Howe has spoken about the possibility of Alexander Isak joining Liverpool.Eddie Howe was quizzed on Alexander Isak following Newcastle's defeat to CelticEddie Howe has insisted that he is 'confident' about Alexander Isak staying at Newcastle despite significant interest from Liverpool. The forward has been heavily linked with a move to Anfield and appears to be facing an uncertain future. Li...
Liverpool have submitted a €90 million (£78m/$105m) bid to Eintracht Frankfurt for French striker Hugo Ekitike. Sky Sports have revealed that an agreement in principle has been established between Liverpool and Eintracht Frankfurt, laying the groundwork for what could soon become one of the most significant deals of the summer.Liverpool are determined to get EkitikeHave submitted a S...
Gyokeres' father 'emotionally distraught' as Arsenal transfer stallsArsenal’s pursuit of Swedish striker Viktor Gyokeres has hit an impasse, with discussions over the transfer structure reaching a frustrating deadlock. Talks with Sporting Lisbon have made little headway in recent days, resulting in growing despondency among those closest to the player.Barcelona linked with shock move for Rea...
Harry Kane Bayern Munich 2025 FIFA Club World CupBayern Munich’s hunt for a capable understudy to Harry Kane has hit a roadblock, as VfB Stuttgart reportedly continue to resist their efforts to sign emerging forward Nick Woltemade. The Bavarian giants have already made two formal bids, but both were swiftly turned down by Stuttgart, who are holding firm on their valuation of the 23-year-old ...
Manchester City FC v AFC Bournemouth - Premier LeagueKevin De Bruyne says it is "an honour" that his new club Napoli allowed him to train in the No.10, which has been retired to honour Diego Maradona.WHAT HAPPENED?De Bruyne was speaking at his media unveiling. He joined Napoli on a free transfer last month after spending the last decade with Manchester City. As a welcome gesture, the club arranged...
Bayer 04 Leverkusen v FC Bayern München - BundesligaEx-Arsenal star Granit Xhaka is reportedly set to snub a Premier League return with Sunderland despite mounting speculation about his future at Bayer Leverkusen. The 32-year-old moved to the Bundesliga in 2023 after a lengthy seven-year stint in North London, where he developed into a combative leader for the Gunners. Since then he has playe...
Viktor Gyokeres ArsenalArsenal’s pursuit of Swedish striker Viktor Gyokeres has hit an impasse, with discussions over the transfer structure reaching a frustrating deadlock. Talks with Sporting Lisbon have made little headway in recent days, resulting in growing despondency among those closest to the player.WHAT HAPPENED?As the deal continues to stall, the once-promising move to north London...
Germany France Euro 2025Germany overcame the first-half dismissal of Katrin Hendrich, to beat France 6-5 on penalties after battling to a 1-1 draw after extra time.France v Germany - UEFA Women's EURO 2025 Quarter-FinalTELL ME MOREAll hope looked lost for Germany just 10 minutes into the game, when a VAR check, seemingly out of nowhere, revealed Kathrin Hendrich had inexplicably pulled Greidge Mbo...
Liverpool ace Diaz agrees personal terms with Bayern MunichBayern Munich are ready to try again for Liverpool winger Luis Diaz in the coming week. Bayern had a €65m offer rejected by Liverpool at the beginning of the week, with the Reds insisting Diaz won't leave for less than €100m.However, Diaz has informed Liverpool he'd like them consider Bayern's offer as he weighs up whether now ...
- 1 Brooklyn Beckham's ex inspires Palmer as Chelsea crush PSG
- 2 Spurs get huge lift in Morgan Gibbs-White row
- 3 Model skips Lamine Yamal's party over 'weird demands'
- 4 Transfer news & rumours LIVE
- 5 Jude Bellingham finally undergoes surgery on recurrent dislocated shoulder injury as Real Madrid confirm successful procedure for England star ahead of long layoff
- 6 Noni Madueke parties at Wireless with Jadon Sancho
- 7 Xabi Alonso sends warning to Real Madrid stars after PSG thrashing
- 8 Chelsea star’s stunning model Wag captured 'best UFO footage ever'
- 9 Man United ace Alejandro Garnacho rejects Cristiano Ronaldo reunion
- 10 Daily Laugh - Watch and remember the kids