The Chronicle

CHRIS Porter bagged a debut brace but Crewe Alex were twice pegged back in a pulsating draw with Mansfield Town at Gresty Road on Saturday.

The new signing nodded the Railwaymen into a half-time lead, and then reestablished the advantage with another header after Danny Rose had levelled for the Stags after the restart.

But David Mirfin equalised again for the visitors and the two sides had to settle for a share of the spoils.

It was an entertaining, fast-paced and full-blooded encounter which left the supporters of both sides on their feet and applauding at the end.

And both managers will probably be relatively satisfied to get off the mark with a point after a game which either side could have won - or lost.

Mansfield Chad

Mansfield opened their League Two account with a hard-fought point in an action-packed opening day 2-2 draw at Crewe Alexandra.

The Stags were forced to come from behind twice as goals from Danny Rose and new boy David Mirfin earned them a point from a thoroughly entertaining encounter at Alexandra Stadium.

Crewe Alexandra vs Mansfield Town - Danny Rose of Mansfield Town levels the scores at 1-1 - Pic By James Williamson

Crewe’s Chris Porter made it a dream debut as he bagged a brace with headers either side of the break.

Nottingham Post

Steve Evans was left in no doubt that his Mansfield Town side should have taken all three points in Saturday’s opener at Crewe.

League Two’s promotion favourites found themselves twice trailing at Gresty Road, before strikes from Danny Rose and David Mirfin earned a share of the spoils in a 2-2 draw. 

Evans felt his Stags side dominated for long periods in Cheshire, conceding twice against the run of play, leading him to admit that his team didn’t defend well enough in their own penalty box, despite their overall superiority.

"I don't think there's any doubt we deserved to win it in the quality of play and the dominance of play,” said Evans. “Crewe Alexandra scored twice against the run of play.”