Reggie Lambe, the Bermuda striker, all but ensured Mansfield’s Sky Bet League Two safety with the only goal in a relegation six-pointer against Tranmere Rovers at the One Call Stadium.

The 24-year-old, whose goal leaves rock-bottom Rovers starring down the barrel of a gun, somewhat blotted his copybook when he was dismissed deep into an incredible 14 added minutes.

Mansfield started strong and could have twice gone ahead in the opening exchanges, goalkeeper Owain Fon Williams denying Vadaine Oliver with his legs after and then Junior Brown firing over from a half-cleared corner.

The home side took the lead when Jamie McGuire ran at Rovers and picked out Oliver in the box. His lay-off reached Lambe who turned and threaded a low finish beyond the goalkeeper’s fingers.

Tempers flared in the eight minutes of stoppage time and, as players shoved each other, Lambe was shown a second yellow.