Crewe Alex had to settle for a draw in a drab encounter with Mansfield at Gresty Road on Saturday.

Chris Dagnall’s strike cancelled out Pat Hoben’s opener to extend the Alex’s unbeaten home record to six matches.

But it was a disappointing result and a below-par performance against an average Stags outfit.

Chances were few and far between in a scrappy first half. Danny Rose headed inches wide for the visitors while, at the other end, Ryan Lowe forced a good save from Scott Shearer and Harry Davis had a header from a corner cleared off the line.

Mansfield started the second half brightly and took the lead through a Hoben header, but their advantage didn’t last long as Dagnall got on the end of a Zoumana Bakayogo cross.

Substitute Dan Udoh had the best chance to win it late on but he blazed into the side netting from close in.

After effects: Steve Davis said he did not see his side's midweek drubbing at Wycombe coming, and it is unlikely anyone would have predicted such a heavy defeat against a side previously struggling for goals.

It was important Crewe were not affected by the game and got back to being solid quickly, and after one early let-off when Danny Rose headed wide aside, they gathered their composure and looked more like themselves at the back.

That said, they still did not look a force going forward and the pace of the injured Alex Kiwyoma is still missed.

On the defensive: The manner of the five goals conceded at Wycombe, as well as the result, will have been concerning the manager who had previously sung the praises of his men's defensive efforts.

By and large they got back to better form at the back against Mansfield.

Hoben's goal – a far post header from a cross – will be a disappointment but the visitors were given few opportunities by a more stubborn and resilient rearguard.

Mansfield Town boss Adam Murray has challenged his players to "nail" their home form, after seeing his side extend their unbeaten away run to four matches.

After victory at Leyton Orient and draws at Hartlepool United and Accrington, the Stags drew 1-1 at Crewe, striker Pat Hoban scoring his first goal for the club.

He gave Mansfield a 1-0 lead early in the second half, but Chris Dagnall equalised for the home side with the 100th league goal of his career.

And Murray said: "I'm very pleased because it's a very tough place to go. I think their home record is very good so to come here and get a point, we're pleased with that.