Dronfield Town let lead slip through their fingers against AFC Mansfield

It was Dronfield’s first home NCEL Division One game since November 3, 2015 and only their sixth in total due to snow and persistent rain over the winter months.

The home side were on top early on and created a number of chances, although none of them really troubled the Mansfield keeper.

Mansfield had chances in the first half which the better of them forced keeper Town Kieran Marsh to save one with his legs and tip another one over the bar with an athletic save from a corner.

However, Dronfield went ahead with Blake Owen scoring a breakaway goal in the 43rd-minute.

The second half was dominated by Mansfield and they equalised early from a corner kick, heading home at the far post.

Dronfield seemed to struggle in the second period to keep hold of the ball, but managed to keep Mansfield at bay until three minutes from time.

Mansfield broke on the Town down the left wing and crossed into the box, where unfortunately a Town defender sliding to clear the ball only managed to put it into his own net with a wicked slice.

Town tried valiantly to get an equaliser, but lost narrowly despite putting in an excellent performance against a team second in the league.

Dronfield travelled to Grimsby Borough in NCEL action on Tuesday night. Please see www.derbyshiretimes.co.uk for updates.

And they are on the road again on Saturday (February 20) when they travel to take on Derbyshire opponents Shirebrook Town.

Meanwhile, Dronfield Town Reserves beat Retford FC 2-1 in the Central Midlands Football League North.

Despite being without influential players, Town dominated this top of the table encounter and created enough clear cut chances to win the game comfortably.

Town took a two-goal lead through Matt Hague and a 25-yard special from Will Earl. Retford got a last minute consolation but Town were well worth their hard fought victory.