Sleaford Town’s hopes of securing three valuable points in their UCL campaign were dashed by a late AFC Mansfield goal in a 2-1 loss at the MKM Ground at Eslaforde Park. Despite a spirited performance and several opportunities to seize control, the Greens were ultimately left to rue missed chances in a game that saw Mansfield come from behind to snatch victory.

The game started cautiously, with both teams taking time to settle. The first real chance of the match came for Mansfield’s No.8, whose long-range effort was comfortably dealt with by Sleaford keeper Liam Flitton. Ben Robson followed with an opportunity for the Greens, but his shot was blocked well by a Mansfield defender.

As the half progressed, both teams battled for control, with Sleaford’s new signing, Ben Ashall, playing a key role in initiating attacks on the left hand side of the pitch. However, neither side could find a breakthrough, and by the 30-minute mark, the game remained deadlocked.

A yellow card for Ollie Fields in the 33rd minute for a mistimed challenge just short of the halfway line added some tension to the match. The Greens came close to scoring just before halftime, with Parker’s cross narrowly missing the outstretched feet of three attacking players. Mansfield almost took the lead when they hit the crossbar just before the break, but both teams headed into halftime at 0-0.

The second half began with Mansfield putting Sleaford under heavy pressure, forcing Flitton into two excellent saves. However, in the 60th minute, Sleaford took the lead through player of the match Ben Robson, who fired home following great work from Finlay Armond.

The lead was short-lived, as Mansfield equalized soon after through No.9 Ryan Ingram, who finished smartly following a well-worked move that caught the Sleaford defence out. Sleaford made substitutions in an effort to regain control, but Mansfield continued to press, with Armond being sent to the sin bin for dissent in the 77th minute. In a dramatic turn, Sleaford was awarded a penalty in the 79th minute after a handball by Mansfield’s No.4. However, Shannon-Lewis missed the chance to restore Sleaford’s lead, firing the penalty over the bar, leaving the score at 1-1.

Mansfield capitalised on the missed opportunity, taking the lead in the 84th minute through substitute Zamboglou, who controlled a through ball beautifully before beating two defenders and smashing the ball into the bottom corner. Despite Sleaford’s late efforts, Mansfield held on to secure the win.

Sleaford will feel hard done by the result, but they will need to regroup quickly as they prepare for their upcoming midweek fixture against Harrowby United in the league.