Will Evans scores twice as Mansfield heap further woe on Northampton

Managerless Northampton’s survival hopes were dealt another blow as they were comprehensively beaten 4-1 at Mansfield.

It was a fourth straight defeat for the Cobblers and a seventh loss in eight league games while the Stags eased further away from trouble by making it six games unbeaten in the division.

Will Evans put Mansfield ahead within five minutes. Frazer Blake-Tracy launched a long ball down the centre and Evans held off the challenge of Jon Guthrie just inside the box and stroked home a fine low finish.

Northampton might have been level within a minute, but Jake Evans pulled a low central finish just wide.

The Stags failed to finish a succession of other chances while Liam Roberts’ only real danger saw him deny Cameron McGeehan from eight yards with his legs just before the break.

Will Evans then struck again three minutes into the second half.

Deji Oshilaja sent Lucas Akins down the right and he pulled the ball back for Evans to tuck home from six yards.

Akins added a third in the 62nd minute. Rhys Oates crossed from the left and Jon Russell crashed a finish against the bar, Akins reacting quickest to smash in the rebound from six yards.

The Cobblers pulled one back in the 73rd minute as McGeehan turned home a low pass from Kyle McAdam from the left from seven yards.

Will Evans should have completed a hat-trick but headed over from two yards from an Oates cross in the 76th minute.

Three minutes into stoppage time Ryan Sweeney headed a far-post Aaron Lewis corner back into the danger zone and Will Evans had a finish saved before Akins headed in his second from close range to complete a fine afternoon.