Danny Rose secures crucial win for promotion-chasing Mansfield

Mansfield closed in on the League Two automatic-promotion places with a 1-0 win at play-off hopefuls Exeter. Danny Rose scored the only goal of the game just before half-time to leave the Stags three points off third. It was no more than the visitors deserved with Exeter failing to register a shot on target throughout the 90 minutes.Mansfield started well with Rose firing against the foot of the post inside the opening five minutes and the diminutive striker then headed straight into the arms of Christy Pym as Exeter failed to clear their lines.City's first effort came midway through the first half when Lloyd James was high and wide with a volley from a Jayden Stockley lay-off.Mansfield were doing all the attacking but without really testing Pym and Exeter almost scored on the counter, but debutant Ryan Loft could not connect with a Jake Taylor cross.Mansfield got the goal their play deserved in the 38th minute though. Pym made a superb save to deny Kane Hemmings and Rose was on hand to convert the rebound.Exeter made a double change at the break, but it had little impact in a dire second half where neither goalkeeper was tested.