Mansfield stretch unbeaten run with controversial draw at Gillingham

Posted Sunday, October 01, 2023 by PA

Mansfield extended their unbeaten run to 11 league games following a controversial 1-1 draw against fellow high fliers Gillingham.

Former Charlton and Ipswich striker Macauley Bonne scored his first goal for the Gills 95 seconds into the game after Connor Mahoney capitalised on a loose pass from Stags defender Lewis Brunt.

Aden Flint’s excellent block prevented Gills captain Shaun Williams from adding a second for the hosts before Christy Pym’s acrobatic save denied Bonne from doubling his tally.

Mansfield equalised thanks to Davis Keillor-Dunn’s controversial goal nine minutes before the break.

Referee Jacob Miles was in the process of booking Gills midfielder Ethan Coleman for a foul on Ollie Clarke, but then allowed Town to take a quick free-kick, following which an unmarked Keillor-Dunn was able to slot the ball past Jake Turner with ease.

Nigel Clough’s team should have gone ahead approaching the hour, but George Maris blazed over after meeting Clarke’s cutback.

Shad Ogie blocked Lucas Akins’ driven effort and Turner saved brilliantly to thwart Keillor-Dunn after the Scottish striker had gone through on goal.