Bristol Rovers 0
Mansfield Town 1

COLIN Daniel’s first-half goal condemned Rovers to the Conference, stretched Mansfield Town’s away run to one defeat in 11 games and led the Stags to a final 11th place on their return to the Football League.

A good first-half performance was followed by resolute defence as the Stags withstood a barrage of home attacks in a nerve-jangling second-half, in front of a sell-out 10,500 fans.

Rovers struck the woodwork twice but couldn’t find the equaliser to earn the point that would have retained their Football League status.

Their defeat handed a lifeline to Wycombe Wanderers, who won 3-0 at Torquay and then waited until the Stags’ victory was confirmed before celebrating their survival.

Northampton, also behind Rovers at kick-off, came from behind to beat Oxford and pile more misery on Rovers.

The match was marred by trouble at the final whistle as home fans invaded the pitch. Some vented their anger at the club’s board while other went towards the 700-strong Stags fans. Fighting broke out between the fans and police.

Order was restored only after police on horseback went on to the pitch to shephered the fans off the pitch and back into the stands.

The Stags finished their first season back in League Two in 11th and on the same number of points, 60, as the two teams above them.

Daniel’s superb 36th minute volley to secure victory was matched by Crystal Palace loan keeper Lewis Price, who again made excellent saves.

Daniel lashed in Anthony Howell’s cross, the ball flying into the net off the woodwork.