Stags’ under-18s were beaten 2-0 by Lincoln City under-18s on Saturday at The RH Academy.

Mansfield crafted numerous chances throughout the contest but were unable to etch their name on the scoresheet in NG19.

The hosts started the game well, with Charlie Carter’s pass feeding Jakub Kruszynski, who forced a strong save from the Lincoln goalkeeper.

Full-back Taylor Anderson let fly from 20 yards with the outside of his foot and forced the Imps’ shot-stopper into work once more.

On the 30-minute mark, the visitors produced a counter-attack which concluded with a good stop from Stags’ goalkeeper Owen Mason.

This venture upfield breathed new life into Lincoln, who were denied by a goal-saving challenge from Darien Wauchope after the ball was pulled back into the six-yard box.

Mansfield had an excellent chance to take the lead on 33 minutes when Nathan Caine was fouled in the area. The striker assumed responsibility of the spot kick but saw his effort go narrowly wide of the left post.

Into the second-half and Stags spurned another fantastic opportunity. Confident team play led to a one-on-one opportunity for midfielder Curtis Davies, who fired straight at the Lincoln goalkeeper.

On the hour, Lincoln took the lead. A low pass was fed through the heart of defence and tucked away into the bottom left corner by the Imps’ forward.

The visitors then made it two on 68 minutes, after a goalmouth scramble fell to a Lincoln man, who fired into the roof of the net.

The Stags continued to craft opportunities but were unable to finish their chances.

Just before the final whistle, Mansfield looked to take advantage of a loose Lincoln pass, but Jack Deakin was denied by the Imps’ shot-stopper after being played through by Davies.

The Stags’ next fixture is against Doncaster Rovers at home on Saturday 25 September.

STAGS' XI: Mason, Anderson, Cooper, Collins, Wauchope, Carter (Kokkinos 82’), Hill (Flannagan 45’), Davies (C), Kruszynski, Caine (Wilson 70’), Deakin.

UNUSED SUBS: Turner, Pitts.