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...
5. Alan McCormack
Always a fired up character but he was playing right on the edge here, at the heart of several flashpoints. Somehow reined himself in enough to stay on the pitch for 65 minutes but nothing he tried could get Town back in it... 6 Photo: Pete Norton
6. Ryan Watson
Was asked to cover so much ground to compensate for the loss of Hoskins and he did a reasonable job of it, but there came a point where a Mansfield second on the break was inevitable... 6
7. Nicky Adams
Became as exasperated as anyone by some of the shenanigans that were going on. Kept plugging away admirably though, seeing a fine early free-kick tipped over and crossing excellently for Smithto head in... 7 Photo: Pete Norton
8. Mark Marshall
His bright start was curtailed by the red card. Saw less and less of the ball thereafter and was the man sacrificed as Curle boldly opted to go three up front... 5.5 Photo: Pete Norton