Mansfield manager Nigel Clough admitted his side could be facing a relegation battle in League One after their winless streak extended to nine matches following a 3-0 home defeat to Lincoln.
Paudie O’Connor opened the scoring early before former Stag Sam Clucas netted direct from a corner and Dom Jefferies added a late third.
Mansfield enjoyed a great start to life in the third tier after promotion but have slumped alarmingly recently, losing eight of their last nine matches, to sit nine points above the drop zone.
Clough said: “We have been in a relegation battle since August and I have never said anything different.
“We have been in it since day one and will be in it maybe until the 45th or 46th game.
“People have talked about play-offs, but all I have wanted since day one is staying in this league for the first time in 35, which would be a major success.
“We have got enough points to keep our heads above water for now and it’s given us a chance. But at the moment we cannot see where the next point is coming from.
“I thought we played all right and first half we were very good indeed.
“But Lincoln scored from two set-plays – the second was a fluke which killed us – and I was disappointed with the first and third goals.
“We highlighted all week that their major threat was set-plays, so it was no surprise. We needed more aggression and more desire.
“We have not hurt them enough or had enough impact on the game, but our football was good and we got in some great positions again and didn’t make the most of them.”
City completed the double over Mansfield.
Imps boss Michael Skubula said: “First half we had to dig in, but our set-pieces have been good all season and were again tonight.
“At 1-0 we got dragged around a little bit, they caused us problems and we had to put our bodies on the line, which was fantastic.
“We wanted to get in at half-time, sort it out and make some tactical changes to our system to get control of the game.
“We did that and we had more control. We looked good with and without the ball. I can’t remember our keeper having to make a big save. They might have had moments with the ball but we looked solid.
“What was really pleasing was the impact we had from the bench today. The whole group were magnificent.
“We now need to push on again on Saturday and try to roll over to another win, which has been one of our challenges recently.”
Let's start our Daily Laugh today. If D Nunez, N Jackson, R Hojlund were on the same team Which Artety do you like? Liverpool transfer market Somehow this is true Lionel Messi's magical feet during the 2022 World Cup. Somehow this is true What a journey it has been! Please stay tuned on Daily Laugh. There will be more fun tomorrow!(Credit: Justtoonit, originaltrollfootball, AZRorganizat...

Al-Hilal determined to sign Hernandez as soon as possiblePer Fabrizio Romano, Saudi Pro League giants Al-Hilal are pushing to complete a transfer for Theo Hernandez from AC Milan. They have agreed on a deal with the Serie A side and have initiated talks with the Frenchman.Why new contract for Pulisic remains unsignedUSMNT star Christian Pulisic is yet to sign a new contract at AC Milan, which was ...

Bayern Munich are eyeing a move for Gabriel Martinelli, who is reportedly one of several players Arsenal will consider selling this summer.WHAT HAPPENED?Per BILD's Christian Falk, Bayern are eager to add a new player to their Harry Kane-led attack and reportedly have their eyes on Gunners star Martinelli. The German giants were also keen on signing Nico Williams from Athletic Club earlier in the s...

Manchester United are one of the clubs keen on signing the Real Madrid goalkeeper Andriy Lunin.According to journalist Luis Alberto Lopez, Manchester United are willing to pay €15 million in order to sign the 26-year-old goalkeeper. However, the Spanish club is ready to sell him, but they will hold out for a fee of around €20-25 million.Man United make enquiriesThe Premier League side ...

Paul Pogba agrees transfer to Champions League club as ex-Man Utd star makes 'significant financial sacrifices' to seal return to footballWHAT HAPPENED?Pogba is set to join Ligue 1 side Monaco on a free transfer after agreeing a two-year deal with the French side, as reported by Le Parisien. The former Manchester United midfielder has "made significant financial sacrifices" to seal the deal as he ...

Alfie makes clear Haaland commitment to Man CityAlfie Haaland says son Erling remains happy and committed to Manchester City.The Norway striker is back and fully fit for the Club World Cup after a difficult 12 months due to injury.Speaking with Marca, Haaland Snr said: "Real Madrid and Manchester City? I think they are the favourites to win this tournament , the Club World Cup. We are seeing some ...

Juventus fullback Cambiaso: Man City talks were niceJuventus fullback Andrea Cambiaso has confirmed talks with Manchester City in January. The Italy international attracted an approach from City - which was rejected by Juve - during the winter market last season.In the US for the Club World Cup, Cambiaso admits he spoke with City officials about a move.He said, 0"Let's say that they have almost un...

Chelsea, Man Utd threaten Juventus plans for Kolo MuaniChelsea are interested in Juventus striker Randal Kolo Muani.Kolo Muani is currently with Juve at the Club World Cup, where he is on-loan from PSG. After joining the Bianconeri in January, it was agreed that Kolo Muani could extend his loan to the end of the Club World Cup.Juve do not have a set option to sign the France international permanen...

Tottenham's Mathys Tel scored the decisive goal for the French Under-21 sideThanks to two goals in the final ten minutes, France turned a 2-1 deficit into a 3-2 win as they booked their ticket for the semi-final of the U21 Euros at the expense of Denmark in an entertaining thriller Sunday evening in SlovakiaG9rald Baticle’s men came into this match looking to build on their unbeaten start (W...

Kompany hails ‘special’ Messi for lighting up Club World CupBayern Munich boss Vincent Kompany has been amased by Lionel Messi’s performances at the Club World Cup and believes fans should treasure the Inter Miami star.The Argentina international sealed a comeback win with a brilliant free-kick, giving Inter Miami a strong chance of reaching the knockout stages."Inter Miami they ...



- 1 Man Utd make decision on replacing Andre Onana with Emi Martinez this summer
- 2 Man Utd have Hugo Ekitike 'advantage'
- 3 Transfer news & rumours LIVE
- 4 Stunning Euro U21 reporter dubbed 'queen of Europe' in bold dress
- 5 Gareth Bale set to buy former PL club
- 6 DONE DEAL: Celta Vigo sign permanently Ilaix from RB Leipzig
- 7 Samson Tijani: Nigeria star joins Dukla Prague from RB Salzburg
- 8 Diletta Leotta sizzles in tiny bikini on inflatable flamingo
- 9 Maddison and Wag announce they're expecting twins AGAIN
- 10 Seattle Sounders vs PSG Prediction 24 June 2025