Sam Hoskins was sent off after just 10 minutes as 10-man Cobblers battled gamely for 80 minutes without reward. Here are our player ratings...
1. Steve Arnold
Would have backed himself to keep Charsley at bay before Hoskins unwisely chose to intervene. Fine double save from Rose kept his side in it at the break but Tomlinson left him with no chance... 6.5 Photo: Pete Norton
2. Charlie Goode
His one v one defending had to be strong, especially when Town went man for man at the back. Perhaps lucky not to see red himself when barging over Rose just outside his box shortly after being booked... 6 Photo: Pete Norton
3. Scott Wharton
Denied by Stone and had a very strong penalty shout turned down. Comfortably Town's best defender on the day and he needed to be given the risk they played with after going down to 10... 7 CHRON STAR MAN
4. Jordan Turnbull
Caught on the ball in a poor area which allowed Mansfield to break away for the second goal. Now reached the 37-game mark without a 10th booking so that might release the shackles for the final nine matches... 5.5