George Bransby: If Northampton don’t turn this around, there are no football gods.

It was only a little over a week ago they were pipped to the last automatic promotion place by Bristol Rovers on goal difference, courtesy of Rovers' 7-0 win over Scunthorpe.

Stephen Quinn now goes for the spectacular at the other end.

Jordan Bowery finds the ex-Sheffield United man with a headed pass into the centre of box and Quinn attempts an overhead kick. The shot sails over the bar.

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Stephen Quinn gives away a needless free-kick, lashing out at Shaun McWilliams with his arms as he tries to chase down the ball.

Conceding a free-kick in a dangerous position is all the punishment Quinn gets. Again, it could have been worse for Mansfield.

Chanka Zimba almost has a huge impact just minutes after coming off the bench.

He does well to meet a ball into the box, he just about keeps control then weakly prods an attempt towards goal.

A few big blocks made by Mansfield as Northampton press forward.

Lucas Akins comes up with the second of them and Jordan Bowery heads away the resulting corner.

And it's another change for the Cobblers.

This one is forces as Josh Eppiah has been struggling since being clattered by Kieran Wallace a few minutes ago. On comes Chanka Zimba.

Northampton are first to make a change. Joseph Mills is replaced by ex Stags man Danny Rose. It's an attacking switch.

Mansfield's Kieran Wallace is very lucky to still be on the pitch. He slides recklessly into Josh Eppiah.

It was a late and very heavy challenge.

The crowd knows it, and so do the players as they both race in to where the tackle took place.

The referee pulls out a yellow card for Wallace. Could have been a red.

Northampton have less than 30 minutes to turn this tie around.

Mitchell Pinnock tries to force his way into the box, but tangles with Jordan Bowery and gives away a free-kick. Pinnock voices his frustrations.

Nathan Bishop has had a few long balls to pluck from the air for Mansfield.

These searching balls all feel a bit hit and hope from the hosts.

Northampton fans remain in good voice and are urging the Cobblers forward.

Nothing has really stuck for the hosts, however. Mansfield have done well to break up the tempo of the game all night.

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No hesitation as referee Ben Toner blows the whistle and takes out the game's first yellow card to book John-Joe O'Toole. He went in hard on Shaun McWilliams there.

There are a few penalty shouts from Northampton.

The bodies are hitting the floor everywhere. Louis Appere was first to go down, with John-Joe O'Toole getting across him. It certainly looked like there was something in it, but referee Ben Toner waves away the appeals.

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The rain is hammering down at Sixfields now.

John Guthrie leaves a little on Mansfield's Stephen Quinn with a... let's say robust challenge.

The second half at Sixfields is under way.

A huge second 45 minutes will be needed by Northampton if they are going to get past Mansfield to reach the League Two play-off final.

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This is the first of the midweek League Two play-off semi-final second legs.

Tomorrow night Port Vale host Swindon Town, who hold a 2-1 advantage after prevailing in the first leg at the weekend.

You can read our match preview by clicking here.

There were boos as the players headed to the dressing room.

There is plenty of annoyance with referee Ben Toner after that Mansfield goal, which stems from Stephen Quinn being clearly offside as he chased a through ball into the box.

Quinn backed off knowing he was offside, allowing Elliott Hewitt to meet the pass before teeing up Stephen McLaughlin. Offside flags have been raised for far less, as Quinn was certainly in play at that moment.

Mansfield take a two-goal aggregate advantage into the dressing room with them at Sixfields, thanks to Stephen McLaughlin's opening goal tonight.

McLaughlin's well-taken finish is the only shot on goal the visitors have mustered.

Those two additional minutes have been played.

Mansfield have a corner... it's cleared.

And the whistle for half-time is blown.

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There will be two minutes of injury time.

Can Northampton give the home fans something to cheer them up at the break?