Lewes

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Arnold: Scored the winning goal

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Mansfield 1-0 Lewes

Rock-bottom Lewes were unable to halt an alarming 12-game losing streak on Saturday afternoon as they were edged out by a resurgent Mansfield at Field Mill.

Mansfield have seen their fortunes turn around since the appointment of manager David Holdsworth, who's record now stands at six wins and two draws from nine games.

However, the Stags were made to work hard for their victory as a determined Lewes side battled valiantly to end their losing streak.

Rooks goalkeeper Rikki Banks was in superb form to deny the hosts on a number of occasions, whereas Mansfield stopper Alan Marriott only had one major save to make.

The hosts came close to breaking the deadlock on the half-hour mark but Neil MacKenzie's curling drive was tipped over by Banks.

The Lewes stopper was forced into action again just moments later when Scott Garner's overhead kick was fired straight at the shot-stopper.

The Stags looked to get a quick breakthrough after the restart and came close in the 50th minute, but striker Aaron O'Connor's powerful shot smashed into the left-hand post.

Banks was called into action once again in the 63rd minute, denying a well-placed Garner header but was unable to stop midfielder Nathan Arnold from scoring the opener in the 70th minute.

Substitute Ryan Williams played a great through ball to Arnold on the right and the striker waited for the onrushing Banks before lobbing the ball over the goal-line.

The home side pushed for a second but Lewes caught them on the break, forcing Marriott into a superb reaction save from David Wheeler's hard and low shot.

Lewes had another chance to restore parity in second-half injury time but striker Stefan Cox saw his 20-yard effort fly straight into the arms of Marriott.

Mansfield bookings: Briscoe 66.

Lewes bookings: Fisk 90.

Ref: R Madley.

Att: 2434.