MARK Trueman reckons Danny Rowe looked back to his best as City clinched a fifth straight win.

Rowe scored the first-half goal to beat Mansfield at Valley Parade last night after being restored to the starting line-up for the ineligible Andy Cook.

Trueman, who had demanded more from the frontman, said: “That’s the standard Danny has set.

"When he came, he was flying and scoring goals and the illness took him off his stride a bit.

“But we are delighted for Danny, he got his goal and it will be great for his confidence. Like all strikers, scoring goals will improve that.

“I was happy with what Danny did out of possession as well. He did more for us, he pressed and he got in good positions in transition to help us get up the pitch.”

Mansfield hit the post early on and missed a late chance before skipper Ollie Clarke was sent off in stoppage time for elbowing Connor Wood.

“We knew Mansfield were a good team and they started the game brightly,” added Trueman. “They press you and look for mistakes especially early on.

“Both teams nullified each other at times. But if you look at the stats, we probably created the better chances and we’ve been able to capitalise on that.

“We defended well as a team and a back four unit. We set the foundations.

“We want to win with more control but mental fatigue comes in with this run of games.

“They made it hard for us and we had to really grind it out, stay focused and concentrated for long periods.”

City moved up a place to 10th and cut the gap to the last play-off spot to three points.

Next up is Saturday’s huge home clash with sixth-placed Bolton, who have won their last six.

Trueman said: “Bolton are a great team and on a great run of form like ourselves. We are looking forward to it.”

Mansfield boss Nigel Clough was unhappy with Clarke’s late red card – and felt his side had deserved something from the game.

Clough said: “I couldn’t tell you (what it was for). We presume it was a raised arm but if it was, it was completely and utterly accidental.

“I haven’t seen the replay but from what Ollie’s said we will be appealing in the morning.

“Performance-wise we didn’t do much wrong, but it was just another soft goal. I thought we were on top and in control of the game."