Darlington 0-2 Mansfield

Two early goals from Matt Green helped Mansfield beat Darlington.

Green opened the scoring when he picked up a Lindon Meikle pass and beat two defenders before drilling a low left-footed shot inside the far post.

Mansfield doubled their lead when Louis Briscoe's shot from a 35-yard free-kick hit Green, whose shot on the turn went high into the net off the post.

Darlington went close when Adam Rundle shot over from a Liam Hatch flick-on but Mansfield held on.

VIEWS FROM THE DRESSING ROOM

Darlington boss Mark Cooper told BBC Tees:

"In the first 20 minutes we didn't turn up, our midfield was miles away from their midfield, and we gave them too much respect.

"We said beforehand, 'don't think it will be as easy as Lincoln, get tight, let Mansfield know we're in the game', but we didn't do that.

"If you'd have been playing in midfield for them today Ray (Simpson, Darlington commentator) you'd have looked a good player for 20 minutes."

LINE-UPS

Darlington: Russell, Purkiss, Miller, Lee, Greg Taylor, Arnison, McReady (Hatch 59), Kris Taylor (Atkinson 40), Rundle, Bowman, Campbell (Walshaw 63). Subs Not Used: Chandler, Bridge-Wilkinson.

Booked: Bowman, Arnison.

Mansfield: Marriott, O'Neill, Futcher, Sutton, Kendrick, Briscoe (Worthington 87), Murray, Howell, Meikle (Connor 68), Green, Dyer. Subs Not Used: Redmond, Naylor, Stevenson.

Booked: Kendrick, Futcher.

Goals: Green 5,15.

Att: 2,647

Ref: Karl Evans (Lancashire).