Tafazolli makes League debut for Mansfield Town against Northampton

He was drafted in to replace the suspended Martin Riley while injured Chris Clements’ place in midfield went to Anthony Howell.

Summer signing Keiran Murtagh also took his place on the Stags bench for the first time after injury while striker Matt Rhead was also back on bench after a one-game ban.

The game represented Paul Cox’s 100th league game as manager while club announcer Alan Wilson was celebrating 25 years behind the microphone.

STAGS: Marriott; Sutton, Dempster, Tafazolli; Beevers, McGuire, Hutchinson, Howell, Jennings; Clucas, Andrew. Subs: Murtagh, Rhead, Stevenson, Speight, Meikle, Daniel, Palmer.

NORTHAMPTON: Duke; Amankwaah, Heath, Doumbe, Collins; Hackett, Carter, Harriott, Morris; Platt, Blyth. Subs: Widdowson, O’Donovan, Tozer, Hooper, Emerton, McNamara, Toney.

REFEREE: Steven Rushton of Staffordshire.