Mansfield with the advantage after victory over Cobblers

Mansfield Town were victorious at home to Northampton Town in the first leg of the play-off semi-finals, taking a 2-1 lead into the next leg.

The Stags started the game off well and took the lead after just 13 minutes. Jordan Bowery playing in Rhys Oates and the 27-year old doing well to control and fire a low shot through the legs of Jonathan Maxted.

Bowery turned provider to scorer in the 32nd minute when Jamie Murphy fired in a low cross that allowed the Mansfield forward to tap in from close range. 

It was a fantastic first-half performance from Nigel Clough’s side but the Cobblers were much improved in the second period. 

With just over an hour gone, Northampton Town pulled one back. Louis Appéré set up defender Ali Koiki, whose shot went in with Oli Hawkins getting a touch on it.

It might have been a different story had it not been for Maxted saving well from Oates ten minutes earlier – that goal could have killed off the tie.

Jon Brady’s searched for an equaliser but Mansfield Town held firm, setting up an exciting return leg at Sixfields on Wednesday.

It's advantage @mansfieldtownfc at the end of the first leg!#EFLPlayOffs | #StepUp pic.twitter.com/YjXaCdbcSr

— Sky Bet League Two (@SkyBetLeagueTwo) May 14, 2022