Wills Evans double sees Mansfield stretch winning run with victory over Preston

Promoted Mansfield reeled off a fifth straight win as they ended Steve Bruce’s unbeaten league record as new Blackpool boss with a 2-0 home win.

It was the first time the Stags had won five in a row at this level since April 1976 and they sit third in the table.

Will Evans fired Mansfield ahead from close range at the far post after eight minutes from Stephen McLaughlin’s long cross from the left.

Six minutes later, home goalkeeper Christy Pym had to use his legs to prevent Rob Apter levelling after finding space on the right.

Mansfield defender Deji Oshilaja then sent a free header at Blackpool keeper Harry Tyrer before Stags did double their advantage after 39 minutes as McLaughlin, at the far post, headed down a long Hiram Boateng cross and Evans applied another close range finish past Tyrer.

Oliver Casey almost replied for the visitors just before the break but headed powerfully over from a Lee Evans corner.

Blackpool tried to go up a gear after the break but Stags defended well.

In a half devoid of real chances at either end, Stags substitute Frazer Blake-Tracy almost scored within four minutes of coming on as his curling 84th-minute cross had to be clawed from under the crossbar by Tyrer.