Andy Todd’s second-string produced a commanding display as they eased to a comfortable 3-1 victory over Bradford City at a windy One Call Stadium.
The Stags enjoyed plenty of possession, tormenting and toying with their youthful counterparts in the early exchanges, and deservedly went ahead on 15 minutes.
Nick Wright showed some fabulous footwork and combined with Ben Hutchinson, before Todd was fouled inside the area following George Pilkington’s floated cross.
Wright sent Bantams shot-stopper Stuart Morrison the wrong way with the subsequent spot-kick, but it wasn’t long until the West Yorkshire side drew level.
Midway through the first period, Connor Erangey’s low pull-back from the left channel split the Stags defence, and allowed Scott Brown to fire home from the edge of the area.
Mansfield, however, remained on top as they dominated in both possession and also territorially and soon re-established their one goal advantage.
Chris Clements’ free-kick was beautifully knocked down by Ryan Tafazolli, which allowed fellow centre-back Exodus Geohaghon to place his header beyond a full-stretch Morrison.
Striker Hutchinson also went close before the break, but the former Celtic star was replaced at half-time by youngster Ross Lamb.
Lamb produced a highly combative display as he battled bravely to win every ball, but it was the experienced Jamie Tolley who was the provider of our third goal.
His right-sided corner on 62 minutes was met by Tafazolli on the cusp of the six-yard box, who powered his header high into the top corner, which gave Morrison no chance.
The Stags were now in full control and spurned three chances in quick succession as Tolley, Todd and Wright were all denied by the impressive Bantams shot-stopper.
But it mattered little as Mansfield ultimately eased to a comfortable win.
Stags: Redmond, Sutton, Pilkington, Geohaghon, Tafazolli, Thompson, Todd, Clements, Tolley, Hutchinson (Lamb), Wright. Unused Subs: M.Jones, Hopkins, Simpson.
