Match Report: Aylestone Park 2-3 AFC Mansfield

AFC Mansfield came from two goals down to secure a dramatic 3-2 victory over Aylestone Park in our season opener, overcoming a difficult first-half display to begin the campaign with three points.

The Bulls endured a nightmare start as the hosts raced into a two-goal lead inside the opening half-hour. Saxon Nicholls opened the scoring after 22 minutes before Joe Ball doubled Aylestone Park's advantage just four minutes later, leaving AFC Mansfield with plenty of work to do.

Despite struggling to find their rhythm in the opening stages, AFC Mansfield responded superbly. Ryan Ingram sparked the comeback on 29 minutes with a superbly taken free-kick to halve the deficit and give the visitors renewed belief.

The equaliser arrived just before the break as Dan Shelbourne reacted quickest from close range to make it 2-2 on 44 minutes, completing an impressive turnaround before half-time after what had been a difficult opening 30 minutes.

AFC Mansfield made their first change shortly after the restart, with Liam Mays replacing Jake Batty, before Zack Reynolds was introduced for Jacob Dainty just before the hour mark.

Just two minutes later, Mansfield completed the comeback. Ryan Ingram kept his composure from the penalty spot to score his second goal of the afternoon and put the visitors ahead for the first time.

The visitors managed the second half well, restricting Aylestone Park's opportunities while creating chances of their own. Further fresh legs arrived with 15 minutes remaining as Charlie Fox and Jack Clarke replaced Luke Morgan and Harley Bates.

After a challenging first half, AFC Mansfield showed excellent character and resilience to fight back from 2-0 down and claim the 3-2 victory. Ryan Ingram's brace, combined with Dan Shelbourne's equaliser, ensured the Bulls opened their season in the best possible fashion with all three points.

AFC Mansfield Goals: Ryan Ingram (29', 60' pen), Dan Shelbourne (44')

MOTM: Charlie Taylor

Final Score: Aylestone Park 2-3 AFC Mansfield