BEN Hutchinson's early strike was enough to seal all three points for Mansfield Town as they saw off Southport 1-0 today.
The former Celtic forward fired home from close range after just two minutes, following a flowing move that started when Lindon Meikle made a superb tackle deep in his own half.
And while Stags failed to add to their tally, they stayed solid to keep a clean sheet and earn the win at the One Call Stadium.
Although their away form has been poor, they have not lost at home since the opening day of the campaign – winning six and drawing two of their nine home matches.
Mansfield: Redmond, Sutton, Dempster, Geohaghon, Beevers, Howell, Briscoe, Meikle, Clements (Murray, 72), Hutchinson, Wright (Speight, 66). Subs: Thompson, Green, Rhead
Southport: McMillan, Smith, Lever, Parry, Grand, Whalley, Ledsham (Stephenson, 79), Benjamin (Almond, 65), Moogan (Chalmers, 88), Lynch, Tames. Subs: Hibbert, Willis
Referee: Declan Ford (Lincoln)
Attendance: 1,918 (83 visitors)