Nigel Clough criticises drop ball decision before late Stevenage leveller

Nigel Clough was left fuming at the match officials as Mansfield were held to a last-gasp 1-1 draw at Stevenage.

A penalty by Lucas Akins 12 minutes from time had seemingly given the Stags a fifth straight win only for Chem Campbell to bury a goal six minutes into stoppage time.

The decision to award a drop ball to the home side in the immediate moments before the equaliser was the main cause of ire for the Stags boss.

Clough said: “That’s the major thing out of all the incidents.

“The ball had been cleared, he blew just before the ball went out for the throw and then he drops the ball at their winger’s feet and he crosses the ball.

“They did not have possession of the ball. He cannot give them that uncontested ball. It should be our throw, end of story, and we’re up the pitch and we win the game.

“And there was too much added time because of this new rule which was brought in, but there’s too many things, too many things there.”

Everything before the late drama, though, was pleasing for the Mansfield manager.

“We were happy as the away team,” he said. “I thought we created the best chance, Lucas’s one cleared off the line. They barely had a shot against us, so we’re happy with that.

“They started the second half better than us, first 20 minutes or so. But the penalty should have been enough to win the game and it was exactly what the games are like here.

“You know they’re going to be low scoring, with a low amount of chances. And as the away side, you’re just waiting for one break, which we got.”

Opposite number Alex Revell was naturally delighted with the late equaliser but it did extend the unwanted run Stevenage are on to no win in the last eight.

The Boro boss said: “Yeah, mixed emotions obviously because we’ve drawn the game late and that shows the character and spirit we’ve got to keep going and keep fighting.

“When you score that late, it’s great.

“They made it very difficult in the first half, sat behind the ball, that’s what teams do when they come here.

“And we had to move it quicker, which we didn’t do at times.

“But there was only one team for me in the second half that wanted to win the game and it was a matter of taking the opportunities that came our way.

“We were wondering if it was another game we didn’t deserve to lose but I’m really proud of the players for the way they kept going.”