Argyle are in relegation battle, says Cleverley

PILGRIMS HEAD COACH LAMENTS YET MORE DEFENSIVE MISTAKES

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ARGYLE head coach Tom Cleverley admits his side is 'a long way off it' in both boxes and in a relegation battle after a third successive defeat.

Goals in each half from Will Evans and Jordan Bowery earned inform Mansfield Town all three points at the One Call Stadium on Tuesday night as Cleverley's men succumbed to yet more mistakes and poor defending.

The latest away day woe leaves them in 22nd position after 14 games played.

Brendan Galloway and Brendan Wiredu, between them, failed to clear a goal kick after six minutes and Will Evans stole in for the opener.

Home 'keeper Liam Roberts did make a crucial save to deny Tegan Finn after 77 minutes, before Jordan Bowery sealed a fifth consecutive league win for The Stags six minutes from time.

Cleverley said: "We are in a relegation battle. I don't think there is any part of our performances or consistency to suggest otherwise, so let's face the situation we're in head on.

"This is not something that is going to fix itself overnight. No one has a magic wand to make this issue go away. We are putting in performances that mean we deserve to be where we are at.