Nigel Clough frustrated as decisions go against Mansfield in battling defeat

Mansfield boss Nigel Clough is desperate for his injury-hit squad to catch a break after an early red card saw visiting Bolton edge a 1-0 victory to make it four defeats in a row for the Stags.

Already without a string of key players and then losing Rhys Oates to a red card after only 12 minutes, Clough’s men battled hard and stayed disciplined but were undone by a Jordi Osei-Tutu goal on 40 minutes.

But Clough was unhappy with the red card, the winning goal and a late shout for a Stags penalty that was turned down.

“It was an incredible effort by the players after going down to 10 men so early in such unfortunate circumstances,” he said.

“Rhys had slipped and you would hope there was a modicum of understanding from the officials as there was no intent and absolutely no malice there.

“When your feet go from under you, obviously your feet will come up and your studs will come up. He caught the lad but with no intent whatsoever.

“The two major decisions in the game, that and the late penalty appeal, have both gone against us.

“When you see seven or eight players’ hands go up and the reaction of the Bolton players as well I think you’ve got a pretty good idea it’s a penalty.

“They scored a bit of a fortunate goal as it hit the lad’s hand but it was deemed accidental – a bit like Rhys’ challenge. But he couldn’t give a foul for it.”

Oates was sent off for his two-footed challenge on Ethan Erhahon, but the 10 men defended well and Jamie McDonnell fired inches wide of the Bolton goal from 25 yards.

But Bolton broke through when George Johnson lifted the ball into the box on 40 minutes and Osei-Tutu reacted quickest to the loose ball from seven yards as Baily Cargill tried to clear.

In a game of few chances Stags felt Cyrus Christie had handled in the box in the last minute but nothing was given.

Bolton boss Steven Schumacher was simply happy his side found a way to win after Saturday’s FA Cup exit at Swindon.

“We were not happy with what happened on Saturday, but every time the lads have lost a game this year they have found a way to bounce back and respond,” he said.

“They are an honest group. We do lack a bit of quality at times and we have made mistakes, but we have never been found wanting for effort.

“It wasn’t a classic and won’t be remembered forever, but three points is all that mattered.

“Mansfield are not bad and can cause you a problem and even with 10 men they were a threat.

“These are the ones when you look back at the end of the season if you have been successful as you know you found a way to win.

“I know it looks easy against 10 men as you have all of the ball. But it is difficult to break a team down, especially on a tight pitch.”