THE Blues were unable to capitalise on a superb start against the Stags.

Winger Bradley Maylett, making his first start for City, gave the visitors a ninth-minute lead with a fine debut goal.

When Mansfield defender Jon Olav Hjelde misjudged a back-pass to keeper Jason White, Maylett seized on the loose ball and drove home a low shot from a narrow angle. The hosts drew level when Simon Brown raced on to a through ball from Barry Conlon and beat John Danby with a precise low shot.

The second half was pretty uninspiring, although White had to dive full-length to keep out a 20-yard drive from Laurence Wilson. City were undone eight minutes from time when Matt Hamshaw's corner was flicked on to the far post, where Alex John-Baptiste was on hand to power home a header.

Mansfield: White, Mullins, Hjelde, Baptiste, Jelleyman, Arnold (Hamshaw 60), D'Laryea, Dawson, Hodge (Boulding 70), Conlon (Gritton 83), Brown. Subs: Muggleton, Charlton.

Booked: Mullins.

Goals: Brown 27, Baptiste 82.

Chester: Danby, Marples, Bolland, Hessey, Sandwith, Hand, Bennett, Linwood, Wilson, Brownlie (Steele 61), Maylett (Meechan 77). Subs: Allen, Kearney, Vaughan.

Booked: Linwood, Hessey.

Goals: Maylett 9.

Attendance: 2,366.

Referee: Eddie Ilderton (Tyne & Wear).