MATCH REPORT: EASTWOOD 3-3 AFC MANSFIELD

AFC Mansfield were forced to settle for a point after an enthralling encounter at Eastwood CFC ended in a dramatic 3-3 draw, despite the Bulls twice holding a two-goal advantage.

The visitors made the perfect start, taking the lead after just four minutes through Kian Sketchley. The forward produced a superb strike from outside the area to give AFC Mansfield an early advantage and set the tone for an impressive opening spell.

The Bulls continued to create chances and almost doubled their lead when Ryan Ingram's excellent pass released Mitchell, but his effort flashed narrowly wide of the post.

Eastwood appealed for a penalty midway through the first half, but the referee waved away the hosts' claims. At the other end, stand-in goalkeeper Sheppard was called into action and produced an excellent save to preserve Mansfield's advantage.

Just before the interval, Sketchley struck again. The forward finished superbly to claim his second goal of the evening, giving AFC Mansfield a deserved 2-0 lead at the break after a dominant first-half display.

The hosts responded after the restart, pulling a goal back on 58 minutes with a scrappy finish to reduce the deficit.

The Bulls were then dealt a setback as Liam Mays was forced off through injury. Jake Batty replaced the midfielder, while Max Taylor was also introduced as Mansfield looked to regain their control of the contest.

Eastwood continued to build momentum and found an equaliser in the 74th minute, scrambling the ball home to make it 2-2.

Ryan Ingram was shown a yellow card on 80 minutes before Charlie Fox replaced Sketchley as the visitors searched for a late winner.

With four minutes remaining, AFC Mansfield looked to have found it. Mitchell showed great composure inside the box to produce an excellent finish and restore the Bulls' lead, seemingly putting them on course for all three points.

However, there was one final twist in a breathless contest. Deep into the closing moments, Eastwood found another late equaliser to make it 3-3, denying AFC Mansfield victory in heartbreaking fashion.

It was an entertaining encounter that produced six goals, plenty of chances and drama from start to finish. While the Bulls will be disappointed not to have held onto their lead, there were plenty of positives to take from an impressive attacking performance on the road.

Full-time: Eastwood CFC 3-3 AFC Mansfield

AFC Mansfield goals: Sketchley (4', 37'), Mitchell (86')