Late Will Evans strike guides Mansfield to opening victory of season

Will Evans’ late goal earned Mansfield their first League One victory of the season as they won 2-1 at Exeter.

Exeter created the first real chance of the game with Ed Turns seeing his effort kicked away by goalkeeper Liam Roberts, while George Maris headed wide for Mansfield from a Kyle Knoyle cross.

The general quality of the game was poor, littered with soft free-kicks and few chances, but all that mattered little to Mansfield when they took the lead after 42 minutes. Frazer Blake-Tracy rose highest to nod in from a Maris corner.

Evans poked over from close range for Mansfield as they made a strong start to the second half but it was Exeter who managed to find an equaliser in the 76th minute.

A Sonny Cox shot was handballed in the penalty box by Jordan Bowery and substitute Josh Magennis scored from the spot.

Roberts made a superb save to deny Exeter defender Sil Swinkels from point-blank range before Mansfield struck the winner four minutes from time when an Aaron Lewis cross was turned in by Evans at the back post to the delight of over 600 travelling Stags fans.