Nine-man Oxford hold on for a point at Mansfield

Oxford clung on for a point with nine men after Michael Smith had rescued a 1-1 draw for Mansfield in a tight encounter.

On a night when Nigel Clough equalled Ian Greaves’ record as the club’s longest-serving manager, Stags preserved an unbeaten home record stretching back to February.

Luka Lynch had put Oxford ahead with a spectacular first-half goal, but after Peter Kioso was sent off in the 75th minute, Smith levelled matters before Gatlin O’Donkor’s red card six minutes from time left the visitors on the ropes.

City had swept ahead after 34 minutes.

Lynch took possession on the right of the box and cut inside before curling a superb 18-yard finish under the top-left angle – his first professional goal.

Stags were almost level after 40 minutes. A poor kick by goalkeeper Jamie Cumming saw Stags steal the ball and Smith’s shot blocked by Cumming, who was relieved to see Jon Russell put the follow-up over the crossbar.

Liam Roberts stood up well to block when substitute O’Donkor was slipped through by Mo Missanga one-on-one in the 67th minute.

Kioso was dismissed for a second bookable offence – simulation after going down in the box.

And in the 82nd minute Mansfield were level. Stephen McLaughlin sent in an early cross from the left and, as Cumming tried to block, the ball somehow went in off Smith at the near post.

Oxford were reduced to nine men as O’Donkor’s foul on Regan Hendry saw him shown a second yellow card.

But, under intense pressure, they hung on to see out seven added minutes.