Cheltenham were first out of the blocks and only poor control from Naylor prevented a great chance for the visitors to take the lead with only 2 minutes gone, however, Pilkington was able to easily claim the ball after the diminutive strikers poor touch.  However, the next meaningful attack belonged to the home side and lead to the opening goal of the game.  A foul on the right lead to a Stags free kick, Sellars curled a great ball to the far post where White headed goalwards, the ball struck the upright and rebounded straight at Greenacre who powered his header past the helpless Brook.  However, after such a bright start the Stags lost control of the game and the visitors squandered a couple of great chances before finally equalising. First Yates headed wide a Williams corner and then Williams fed Tyson who hit a low shot wide.  The Stags almost went two ahead when Craig Disley fired a fine volley which Book saved.  However, the equaliser appeared to be on its way and it was no surprise given Cheltenham's direct style that it came from a set piece.  However, once more it was a bad error by a Stags defender which lead to the chance.  Instead of clearing the danger on the far side Reddington tried to bring the ball out of defence and lost possession to Tyson - he then hauled back the young striker which lead to a free kick and a yellow card for Reddington.  From Milton's free kick Yates headed in at the near post.  Five minutes later Tyson took advantage of some poor defending by Pemberton who tried to run the ball out of defence, however, the youngsters shot was pulled just wide with Naylor making a desperate effort at the far post to make contact.  A terrific half of football.

Half Time:  1-1

Stags boss Stuart Watkiss made two changes at half time, taking off the out or sorts Martin Pemberton and young midfielder Craig Disley and brought on Allen Tankard and Lee Williamson.  The Stags then dominated the 2nd half and only some disgraceful refereeing from Mr C Webster prevented the Stags going ahead.  The most blatant decision he missed was when Murray was clean through and was clearly tripped by left back Victory.  Whether it was inside or outside the area is debatable, however, what isn't debatable is that Murray was clean through on goal and Victory had to be sent off - in the end, unbelievably the referee gave nothing.  It was the worst single decision I have ever seen and almost made Paul Danson seem competent!!  Scott Sellars, for the second time in 3 days, then curled a superb free kick onto the inside of the post but again no-one was on hand to tap home the rebound.  Greenacre then had to leave the pitch to receive treatment after a poor challenge from behind again went unpunished by the "fool in black".  Greenacre eventually returned but was soon replaced by David Kelly, the Stags 3rd and final substitution.   However, the Stags continued to dominate and retook the lead with 15 minutes to go.  Kelly did well after combining with Hassell and the Stags full back drilled a low cross into the 6 yard box where Andy White was on hand to prod home.  Just a few minutes after the goal Adam Murray pulled up quickly and would certainly have gone off had the Stags not used all their substitutions.  Manager Stuart Watkiss immediately put Murray up front with White and moved Kelly back into midfield.  Nevertheless, despite his injury Murray gave everything in the last 10 minutes despite his incapacity and he and White did a great job of keeping possession and running the clock down.  However, the abject refereeing performance wasn't complete until injury time when after the board indicated 3 additional minutes the referee managed to add over 5, he also booked six players in a competitive but fair match.  At the final whistle the cheers of relief echoed around the ground.

The referee almost spoiled the game, however, two very good sides ensured that the bumper gate were enthralled throughout.  Much credit to the Robins who are a fine side, but the Stags probably just shaded the game overall.  Some great battling displays by Stags players, notably Andy White, Adam Murray and Adam Barrett.  Apart from the one bad error Stuart Reddington was again excellent and Allen Tankard was immaculate at left back and must start on Saturday.  However, for some great skill, superior touch and all round excellence, Scott Sellars was my Man of the Match.

Man of the Match:  Scott Sellars

Report by Rob Wheldon

Click here for a report from Martin Shaw & Jeff Barnes