Mark Hemingray's young guns remained top of the league table following a thrilling 4-4 draw away at second placed Ilkeston this afternoon.
Matt Harris gave the Stags a dream start, netting the opening goal after just three minutes following a neat one-two pass with Joel Holland.
Returning hit man Adam Somes started the play, moving the ball inside from the right to Harris, who completed the switch left to Holland with a neat flick before making the advancing run; Holland lifted the ball over the young Robins defence for Harris, who completed the job chipping acutely over the home keeper.
The hosts were back on level terms on 18 minutes, however, when Stags captain Jobe Shaw converted a low cross into his own net. Nine minutes later the hosts then completed the turnaround to take the lead, as a ball over the top eventually allowed Ilkeston a simple tap in.
Adam Somes then made it 2-2 with a fine strike from outside the area following Matt Harris' central pass with five minutes to go before the break, before Jobe Shaw atoned for his earlier error, smashing in a left footed 30 yard drive a minute into the second half to put the Stags into a 3-2 lead.
The drama was far from over and on 57 minutes the hosts drew level, tapping in from four yards as the Stags failed to deal with a well hit corner. The hosts then controversially took the lead from the spot following Ben Horsley's challenge on 65 minutes.
With Mansfield needing at least a draw to remain at the top of the league, their continued pressure paid off with leading scorer Adam Somes next on the score sheet, making it 4-4 from just inside the area, drilling home his 17th of the campaign after Matt Harris' forceful run.
Blake Vincent and Adam Somes both had late chances to seal the game with the former clipping the crossbar with a 35 yard lob. However it was the hosts who had the best chance with a late free kick.
Stags failed to clear and the ball fell for a Robins midfielder who thundered an effort through the crowd. Fortunately Ryan Hopkins watched it all the way into his grateful hands before the full time whistle blew, rounding off a thrilling encounter keeping Stags top of the charts, two points clear of their second placed rivals, with a game in hand.
LINE UP: Hopkins, Marsden, Shaw (C), Horsley, Jones, Flint, Rogers, Vincent, Holland, Somes, Harris
USED SUBS: Villums, Hawkins
