Another terrific away performance took the Stags back into the play-off positions after a 2-0 win at Stevenage on Tuesday night.

Two quick goals at the start of the second half by Ryan Tafazolli and Jack Thomas clinched the points, which was built on a third clean sheet in four games.

Mansfield Town manager Adam Murray said: “That was the perfect away performance. We obviously did our homework on them.

“We wanted to overload the midfield area with our wide men coming into pockets and causing them problems.

“I thought first half we deserved more from our play as we were superb. We knew we’d wear them down and the chances would come.

“We scored goals at the right time, but it was a great performance and a great victory.

“We scored the goals, locked up the back door and shut up shop.

“I felt this would be a big opportunity tonight, the form we were in, to put three points on the board. It was a big block to step on and go forward and that was a big part of the team talk this afternoon.

“The work rate was unbelievable. We did a professional job and we want to put wins together now.”