Mansfield Town 1 - 0 Luton Town: Bingham sees off Hatters

Posted Wednesday, February 18, 2015 by PA

Rakish Bingham was the hero as his first-half strike made sure struggling Mansfield maintained their record of never losing at home to Luton in the league with a crucial 1-0 win.

It was a first loss in 11 for the high-flying Hatters as Mansfield leapfrogged three clubs into 18th place in League Two.

Bingham, recently returned from a loan spell at Hartlepool, was only on the field as a substitute after Reggie Lambe limped off after 19 minutes.

A tight first half burst into life in the 32nd minute. Luton skipper Jonathan Smith's low shot from 25 yards forced Lenny Pidgeley to turn it round for a corner. But, when that was cleared, Mansfield broke well and snatched the lead.

Youngster Jack Thomas played the final pass from the left towards Bingham in the box, who buried a superb low finish from 10 yards.

Luton fired a warning in the second minute of stoppage time as Andy Drury got away down the right and crossed to the far post where Jake Howells was unable to get his header on target.

Four minutes after the break a long Thomas cross from the right almost caught Tyler napping as it hit the crossbar.

Stags defended superbly but Pidgeley was tested again after 67 minutes, saving a low shot from Mark Cullen after he played a return pass with Jason Stockley on the edge of the box.

Then after 74 minutes Cullen poked a great chance wide from close range after a throw was flicked on before Stags clung on under a late onslaught.