Mansfield 4-0 Gateshead
Last updated on .From the section National League
Title-chasing Mansfield Town's relentless run continued as they beat relegation-threatened Gateshead to rack up a 12th consecutive win.
Anthony Howell's close-range effort set the Stags on the way and Louis Briscoe doubled the lead after the break with a sweet 20-yard left-foot volley.
Matt Green smashed home a third after some great footwork in the box.
And substitute Ben Hutchinson added number four from the penalty spot after Jamie Chandler's handball.
The emphatic victory keeps the pressure on Blue Square Bet Premier leaders Kidderminster Harriers, who beat Luton Town 2-1 to remain one point clear of the Stags.
But Mansfield have three games in hand on Harriers and will be assured of the title - even if their rivals win all their remaining games - if they pick up 11 points from their remaining six matches.
Gateshead are now winless in five games and are only one point outside the relegation zone with five games still to play.
VIEW FROM THE DRESSING ROOM
Mansfield Town manager Paul Cox told BBC Radio Nottingham:
"It was a strange kind of game, especially early on. In the final third I thought we were making wrong decisions and bad choices.
"But we had to be patient. I thought Gateshead were very dogged and resolute and I just thought the more the game went on, the more gaps started to open.
"I'm chuffed for the lads. I'm just pleased that we've come through with a decent scoreline."
