Dakin hits hat-trick as Skegness Town win at AFC Mansfield
Lucas Dakin was Skegness Town's hat-trick hero in a sparking 3-1 away win at AFC Mansfield on Tuesday night.
That left the Lilywhites in fifth place in the UCL Premier North ahead of Saturday's home clash with Kimberley MW
Dakin put Skegness ahead on 19 minutes but the Bulls had the better of the rest of the half and the visiting goal led a charmed life.
But Dakin put the game to bed shortly after half-time, netting twice in six minutes with goals on 54 and 60 minutes.
Home hopes sank further when they had Ryan Ingram just a minute after Dakin had completed his hat-trick.
But on 68 minutes the Bulls did grab a consolation as Kian Sketchley tucked away a penalty.
Matt Ward came into the starting line-up at right-back in place of the absent Rayner-Mistry, lining up alongside Bailey Forth, Kieran Wressell and Kyle Radford.
For the opening 18 minutes, Skegness were forced to soak up plenty of early Mansfield pressure, with the hosts enjoying the majority of possession and looking to put Town on the back foot.
However, Skegness showed real resilience in defence.
An assured performance from goalkeeper Jake Sykes, combined with a disciplined display from those in front of him, ensured Mansfield were unable to capitalise on their early dominance.
Having weathered the initial storm, the visitors gradually grew into the contest and began to pose more of a threat of their own.
Their persistence was rewarded on 19 minutes when Dakin found the breakthrough.
Skegness were forced into a change at half-time as Declan Johnson was replaced by Conor Marshall after Johnson unfortunately suffered an ankle injury.
After the break, they continued to play very well and looked increasingly comfortable.
More pressure was rewarded in spectacular fashion as Dakin struck twice in the space of a few minutes, completing his first hat-trick of the season.
Mansfield did manage to find a way through and pull a goal back through Sketchley's penalty, but Skegness remained composed and defended their advantage well.
Ingram was then dismissed for lashing out at Kyle Radford, an incident which appeared to stem from frustration at the excellent performance Radford had put in.
Radford was outstanding throughout the evening as part of a steadfast Lilywhites defensive unit that stood firm when called upon.
Skegness then saw the game out professionally to secure all three points on the road.