Nigel Clough: Mansfield Town remain in 'brilliant' position at the top of League Two

Mansfield Town face MK Dons again in six weeks

Boss Nigel Clough insists Mansfield Town remain in a "brilliant" position at the top of League Two, despite suffering their first defeat at home in five games.

The Stags missed the chance to extend their lead on Tuesday, with MK Dons fighting back to win 2-1.

Mansfield remain three points ahead of second-placed Stockport, who have a game in had on the league leaders.

"We have narrowly lost against a very good team," Clough said.

"I think MK Dons will be there challenging for automatic promotion come the end of the season.

"We are still in a brilliant position, and we can afford to lose a few games between now and the end of the season," he added.

Mansfield had scored 14 goals in their previous two appearances at their One Call Stadium home - which included their club record-equalling 9-2 victory against Harrogate.

The Stags managed as many shots against MK Dons as they did in that recent thrashing of Harrogate, but Clough said they failed to get the same "breaks".

He laughed as he pointed out just how difficult they found scoring the opener, with Stephen Quinn forcing a loose ball home after MK Dons goalkeeper Michael Kelly saved Lucas Akins' spot-kick, then recovered to keep out the former Burton forward's follow-up.

"It took us three goes to score from a penalty, which probably sums up the night," Clough told BBC Radio Nottingham.

"When you have scored 14 goals here in the last couple of home games, it was probably due one of those days.

"It was just one of those, you are going to lose a couple of games and unfortunately we lost a big one tonight," he added.

Mansfield are at home again on Saturday, when they face 17th-placed Swindon Town.