The crowd got us the draw – new Mansfield boss Coughlan

New boss Graham Coughlan thanked the “absolutely immense”  Mansfield fans for helping his side hang on to a point as visiting Northampton fought back to claim a 1-1 draw in his first game in charge.

Andy Cook’s 74th-minute goal was wiped out by Harry Smith’s leveller in the 84 minutes and the Cobblers pressed in the seven added minutes.

They could not find a winner though as Coughlan, who this week replaced the sacked John Dempster after leaving high-flying League One side Bristol Rovers, saw his new troops hold on.

“I would have loved three points but all round I have to be relatively pleased with a point against a promotion-chasing team,” said Coughlan.

“I actually think the crowd got us over the line at the end of the game. The crowd got us the draw.

“They could see the lads were getting tired, you could see they were sinking. The reaction of the crowd after the goals went in, it was like we’d scored it.

“They got up and clapped the lads as they could see they were leaving everything out on the pitch. I thought the crowd was absolutely immense.

“The reception I got was great and it’s my responsibility to make sure I get that the week after and the week after. That was brilliant. My missus and kids were here today and they would have felt that too.”

The Stags were almost shocked inside 15 seconds as Northampton striker Sam Hoskins fired against the bar while Bobby Olejnik saved well from Nicky Adams’ far-post effort.

After the break Matt Preston and CJ Hamilton went close for the hosts before Cook turned on a Mal Benning throw and drilled home low from 25 yards inside the near post.

Hamilton then squandered a great chance after 82 minutes, firing a loose ball in the box over, just before Cobblers substitute Smith headed up and over Olejnik to level from Adam’s ball in.

Northampton manager Keith Curle was happy with a point at his former club, saying: “Away from home and with the manner of the game you’d say it was definitely a point gained.

“I know this club and that it’s a difficult place to come.

“I know what this place is like when you get it rocking and I know what it’s like when things are not going your way as well.

“If we’d got a goal in that first half I think that may have put some jitters and uncertainly into Mansfield with the new manager coming in.

“When Sam hit the crossbar in the first 30 seconds, had that gone in that might have set some anxiety back among their players.

“First half we had the best three chances and second half they had the best three chances.

“Getting a draw showed the character, the bravery and the honesty within the group.”