Mansfield Town 1 - 1 Cheltenham Town - Kotwica leaves it late for Robins

Posted Sunday, December 14, 2014 by PA

Cheltenham substitute Zack Kotwica denied new Mansfield boss Adam Murray victory in his first home game in full charge as his superb 88th minute strike rescued a 1-1 draw for the Robins.

Until then it had seemed like Vadaine Oliver's spectacular 30-yard half-volley 10 minutes into the second half, would be enough to earn Stags all three points.

Although Mansfield dominated for long spells of a goalless first half it was Cheltenham who came closer to scoring.

Terry Gornell was narrowly wide before Kane Ferdinand was twice denied, first Dimitar Evtimov blocking a powerful shot, then Luke Waterfall clearing his follow-up off the line.

Evtimov turned another fierce Ferdinand drive round his near post in first-half stoppage time

Mansfield's only on-target effort was a low shot from Chris Clements straight at Trevor Carson.

But the Stags were rewarded for a powerful start to the second half with the opening goal in the 55th minute.

Oliver caught Benson off his line from almost 30 yards with a powerful dipping right-footed half-volley that cleared the keeper and dropped under his angle.

Evtimov was then down well to keep out a Richards free-kick soon after.

But he was beaten two minutes from time by sub Kotwica as Cheltenham ended the match on a high, even though they remain without a win in six League Two outings.