Notts County 3 Mansfield Town 1: Match gallery
Notts had the better of a scoreless first half, Adam Campbell hitting the post and the Magpies creating the better chances.
But Notts finally grabbed the lead through a high quality chipped finish by former Derby County and MK Dons striker Izzy McLeod on 52 minutes.
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Hide AdStags rallied briefly but failed to seriously test Loach before home stalwart Mike Edwards popped up as an unlikely scorer during a scramble from a corner on 79 minutes.
Jon Stead’s deflected free kick in the final minute cheered the home fans, but there was still time for Stags to win a penalty, Craig Westcarr netting against his old club in the last of five added minutes – scant consolation on the night.