Mansfield Town manager Nigel Clough didn’t hold back his frustration following his team’s 3-1 loss to Bolton Wanderers, a match that slipped out of their hands after Hiram Boateng’s red card proved pivotal.

Boateng, who had opened the scoring in the 34th minute with a composed finish, saw his night take a disastrous turn when he received a second yellow card in the 70th minute. The Ghanaian midfielder’s dismissal left Mansfield vulnerable, and Bolton took full advantage, scoring three goals in a rapid 10-minute spell to snatch victory.

Clough, visibly disappointed, admitted his frustration at the costly mistake. “That was three points thrown away,” he said bluntly. “Hiram knows better than to get involved like that, but I’m also to blame. I should have substituted him after the first yellow. It’s a mistake I won’t repeat.”

Before the red card, Mansfield had been in control, dictating the game and creating opportunities. “We were disciplined, sharp, and in control,” Clough noted. “But the sending-off changed everything, and we collapsed under the pressure.”

Despite the setback, Clough struck a note of determination. “This is a tough lesson for everyone, but the season is far from over. We’ll learn, regroup, and come back stronger.”

Mansfield will need to address the fallout quickly as they aim to keep their promotion hopes alive in a fiercely competitive League One season.