Forest Green 1-1 Mansfield
Last updated on .From the section National League
Mansfield held on for a draw at Forest Green despite being reduced to 10 men for the whole of the second half.
Ross Dyer gave the Stags the lead inside the opening minute with a volley from the edge of the box.
Kieron Forbes equalised for the hosts when his low shot eluded visiting keeper Alan Marriott.
Anthony Howell was given a straight red for a reckless two-footed tackle on Forbes but the hosts were unable to break down Mansfield's defence.
VIEWS FROM THE DRESSING ROOM
Forest Green Rovers manager Dave Hockaday told BBC Gloucestershire:
"Mansfield going down to 10 men was the worst thing that could have happened. We'd pulled back into the game at 1-1 and were the better team going into the second half, but then they got their man sent off and just went deep.
"They worked their socks off and kept their shape which we struggled to break down because as a young inexperienced team we haven't got the patience.
"In the final third we were poor, putting balls in from the wrong angles and not beating the first man.
"We lack belief. When these young players start believing in themselves then I believe we will do very well. Today was a lesson on how not to play against 10 men."
Mansfield Town boss Paul Cox told BBC Radio Notingham:
"This is an honest bunch - I prefer telling the truth - if I knew that I had a horrible, nasty so-and-so in our team, I'd be open enough to say that's his personality and we're going to lose him five times a season.
"We haven't got really a nasty person in our side. What we have, we've got fully committed players, as soon as they pull on this shirt."
