Steve Wilkinson’s second half lob earned Mansfield Town a share of the spoils as they drew with fellow struggles Fulham in this relegation six-pointer at Field Mill.
The home side almost took the lead in the very first minute when Wilkinson released Kevin Kent but Jim Stannard dashed off his line to narrow the angle and the former Newport winger shot wide. Jeff Eckhardt, looking a lot more comfortable in midfield, put Fulham ahead in the twelfth minute with a venomous volley from John Marshall’s right wing cross.
The goal galvanised the Stags with Jim Stannard saving well from Steve Charles and midfielder Martin Clark firing fractionally wide, but Fulham were unfortunate not to double their lead when Leroy Rosenior spun sharply to get on the end of Martin Pike’s corner and crashed an effort against the crossbar from twelve yards out.
Mansfield were much better after the break with player-manager George Foster, making his 600th league appearance, becoming increasingly influential. Captain Mark Kearney unlocked the Fulham defence with a through ball seven minutes after half time and Wilkinson lifted a lovely finish over the stranded Stannard. Town could have gone on to claim all three points as Wayne Fairclough wasted a free header, Malcom Murray fired wide and Kent draw a smart stop from Stannard.
MANSFIELD TOWN: Beasley; Clark, Fairclough, Foster, Gray, Murray, Charles, Kearney, Kent, Christie, Wilkinson. Subs (not used): Hathaway, Lowery.
GOAL: Wilkinson (52).
FULHAM: Stannard; Eckhardt, North, G. Thomas, Pike (Davies 65), Marshall, Morgan, Scott, Brazil, Rosenior. Subs (not used): Ferney.
GOAL: Eckhardt (12).
ATTENDANCE: 2,838.
