Three goals in 12 second-half minutes saw Mansfield finally see off battling bottom side Port Vale 3-0.
Their hero was young Tottenham loanee Oliver Irow, making a spectacular senior debut with a crucial brace.
Vale were the better side in a gritty first half that saw very few chances.
Devante Cole curled a shot against a post after 18 minutes and home goalkeeper Liam Roberts was then drawn into action in the 44th minute as he spread himself to deny Dajaune Brown, who had been sent clear by Cole’s through ball.
Lucas Akins volleyed over Stags’ best chance in the 30th minute from a Rhys Oates cross.
Half-time substitute Irow made the big breakthrough after 55 minutes.
Oates’ superb run ended with Ben Amos getting down to block his low finish, with Irow following up to tuck home the loose ball from six yards.
Four minutes later, Amos got down to parry a low Oates shot and Will Evans steered home the loose ball from close range.
In the 67th minute Irow struck again, this time curling a magnificent finish past Amos from the left of the area to seal a fifth successive win for the Stags.
