Mansfield Town put in their best pre-season performance so far to defeat Bolton Wanderers 2-1 at One Call Stadium on Saturday.

The Stags looked sharper than Wanderers, relegated to League One at the end of last season, in a first-half lit up by neat approach play from the home side as well as enthusiasm in midfield, where new signings Kevan Hurst and Ashley Hemmings did well.

New striker Danny Rose also impressed, winning many free kicks and having a hand in both of Mansfield’s first-half goals.

First he tapped in after 15 minutes following strong hold-up play by Matt Green, who received Chris Clements’ pass and played the ball across the six-yard area. It was one of several fine touches by Green, who looked sharp throughout.

Then Rose won a free kick, which Mal Benning crossed for Krystian Pearce to head in.

A point-blank range save by Scott Shearer preserved the lead in the first half.

Neat footwork by Zach Clough 10 minutes into the second half halved the Stags’ lead before a series of changes by both sides interrupted the rhythm of the play.

One of the substitutes, Mansfield’s CJ Hamilton, showed good pace at times to worry the visitors’ defence, and Hurst and substitute Adam Chapman went close with long range efforts.