Town created enough chances to be two or three goals ahead by half-time but Stags goalkeeper Christy Pym was in defiant mood as he made a series of excellent saves before goals from Will Evans and Aaron Lewis secured all three points. Here are our player ratings from Sixfields…

9. Mitch Pinnock
His miss inside the first minute set the tone for an incredibly frustrating afternoon. Lacked conviction when faced with Pym and then whipped another shot over. Faded after a bright start... 6 Photo: Pete Norton

10. Tariqe Fosu
At the heart of Town's excellent attacking play in the first half with his positivity on the ball and driving runs that had Mansfield on the retreat. Won and took the penalty but failed to convert and wasn't the same player afterwards... 6.5 Photo: Pete Norton

11. Tyler Roberts
He looked good in his first couple of games but he went up another level here. Sharp and lively and lit up the game with so many classy moments. He just glided past defenders at times. Set up chances for others and had one or two himself... 8 CHRON STAR MAN Photo: Pete Norton

12. Sam Hoskins
Back after the birth of his daughter but you sensed Town's chance had gone by the time he was introduced... N/A Photo: Pete Norton