Matty Longstaff suffered Wembley heartbreak as 10-man Mansfield Town were trounced 3-0 by Port Vale in the League Two play-off final. The on-loan midfielder has enjoyed a renaissance under Nigel Clough for the Stags after seeing first-team opportunities limited at Newcastle United.
His January arrival helped inspire Mansfield to a good run of form as they clinched the final play-off berth. Longstaff’s contribution was sizable as he bagged six goals in 17 outings to showcase his talents in the lower leagues.
However, his final game on loan proved a disaster as Town were battered in London by an on-song Port Vale side. Goals from Kian Harratt and James Wilson earned the Valiants a two-goal cushion before Olivier Hawkins was dismissed for Mansfield due to two bookable offences.
