MANSFIELD TOWN are still searching for their first win under new boss David Flitcroft as their play-off hopes took a dive at struggling Forest Green.

Three draws and a defeat have made it a difficult start for the former Swindon Town boss, who labelled his side’s second-half performance “unacceptable”.

Goals after the break for Reuben Reid and Dayle Grubb boosted Forest Green’s survival hopes as the Stags finished with 10 men following a second booking for Mansfield captain Kyrstian Pearce.

Mansfield have dropped two places to seven and Flitcroft cut a frustrated figure, he said: “Disappointing is probably not a strong enough word to use. First-half we huffed-and-puffed, but the movement was good, we had some decent forward play and got into the final third, but we didn’t make enough impact and didn’t get enough shots on target.

“We never felt threatened by Forest Green in the first half. At half-time we asked the players to show more urgency and play with more purpose but it didn’t transpire. I was disappointed for our supporters. We’ve missed out on three tackles close to our supporters and if you get that right and have a desire to what you do, then you have a good chance of winning any football match.

“Reuben Reid and Tahvon Campbell have dominated us all afternoon, but I’m disappointed we didn’t have an impact on their centre- backs. That second-half was unacceptable.

“We looked at the 4-3-3 in the reserve game and in training sessions to get the ball forward earlier and it worked to a point in the first-half.”

Flitcroft pointed to an early injury to top scorer Danny Rose, he added: “It’s potential ligament damage. "His foot stayed in the turf. Hopefully the weight force isn’t so severe, but we’ll get an assessment early tomorrow.”