Nigel Clough ‘cannot see where the next point is coming from’ for Mansfield

Mansfield manager Nigel Clough admitted his side could be facing a relegation battle in League One after their winless streak extended to nine matches following a 3-0 home defeat to Lincoln.

Paudie O’Connor opened the scoring early before former Stag Sam Clucas netted direct from a corner and Dom Jefferies added a late third.

Mansfield enjoyed a great start to life in the third tier after promotion but have slumped alarmingly recently, losing eight of their last nine matches, to sit nine points above the drop zone.

Clough said: “We have been in a relegation battle since August and I have never said anything different.

“We have been in it since day one and will be in it maybe until the 45th or 46th game.

“People have talked about play-offs, but all I have wanted since day one is staying in this league for the first time in 35, which would be a major success.

“We have got enough points to keep our heads above water for now and it’s given us a chance. But at the moment we cannot see where the next point is coming from.

“I thought we played all right and first half we were very good indeed.

“But Lincoln scored from two set-plays – the second was a fluke which killed us – and I was disappointed with the first and third goals.

“We highlighted all week that their major threat was set-plays, so it was no surprise. We needed more aggression and more desire.

“We have not hurt them enough or had enough impact on the game, but our football was good and we got in some great positions again and didn’t make the most of them.”

City completed the double over Mansfield.

Imps boss Michael Skubula said: “First half we had to dig in, but our set-pieces have been good all season and were again tonight.

“At 1-0 we got dragged around a little bit, they caused us problems and we had to put our bodies on the line, which was fantastic.

“We wanted to get in at half-time, sort it out and make some tactical changes to our system to get control of the game.

“We did that and we had more control. We looked good with and without the ball. I can’t remember our keeper having to make a big save. They might have had moments with the ball but we looked solid.

“What was really pleasing was the impact we had from the bench today. The whole group were magnificent.

“We now need to push on again on Saturday and try to roll over to another win, which has been one of our challenges recently.”