Tyler Roberts scored the only goal as mid-table Mansfield hampered Stockport’s League One play-off push with a hard-fought 1-0 away win.

The second-half substitute swept home Lucas Akins’ knockdown as Nigel Clough’s side took a big stride towards a top-half finish.

Stockport threatened to open the scoring after eight minutes when Louie Barry’s low shot forced a diving save from Liam Roberts.

Mansfield are out of the play-off race and safe from the drop, but played with impetus throughout and squandered a golden chance after 36 minutes when Akins pulled a shot wide from Stephen McLaughlin’s low cutback.

Shaken into action by the Stags’ near miss, Stockport centre-back Ethan Pye headed an Oliver Norwood cross against the crossbar before Josh Stokes smashed over with the goal at his mercy as the home side went into half-time on the front foot.

Mansfield improved in the second half and found the breakthrough after 63 minutes when Roberts finished coolly into the bottom corner minutes after coming on.

The visitors went close to extending their lead three minutes later when impact substitute Roberts teed up Rhys Oates to strike at goalkeeper Corey Addai before Will Evans headed the resulting corner wide from close range.

Jack Diamond fired over as Stockport pressed for an equaliser late on, but Mansfield’s defence held firm to inflict the Hatters’ fifth home loss of the season.