Stephen McLaughlin strike sends Mansfield past Stevenage in FA Cup

Mansfield produced a smash-and-grab raid to edge out Stevenage 1-0 and claim a place in the FA Cup third round.

A superbly hit volley by Stephen McLaughlin three minutes into the second half was enough to separate the two sides, with the Stags then seeing the game out at the Lamex.

Stevenage dominated the first half but were unable to make any of their chances count.

Dan Kemp came close with a snapshot from the edge of the box that took a slight deflection and forced Christy Pym into a good save on his line.

The goalkeeper then denied the Boro number 10 from another strike, and although the rebound went beyond Pym, Baily Cargill was on the line to clear.

Mansfield boss Nigel Clough resisted making changes at the interval and McLaughlin’s goal came at the perfect moment as the visitors took a surprise lead soon after.

Stevenage tried to hit back but Harvey White was denied by Pym, while Mansfield could have added a second late on only for Lucas Akins to poke a shot wide.