The game was played at a frantic pace with both sets of supporters in great voice. Gary Fletcher produced Citys best chance of the first half on just 11 minutes after rounding Rhys Day. The striker made Pilkington in the goal tip the ball goalwards and only ex Forest defender Tony Vaughns goaline clearance prevented City from opening their account. However it was the 1700 travelling fans who were delighted in the 35th minute of the first half when Liam Lawrence collided with Gary Fletcher in the box and went down like a lead balloon. Maligned referee Trevor Kettle had no hesitation in pointing to the spot despite Lawrences exaggerated theatrics. Lawrence himself regain composure to slot past a depsairing Marriott to give the visitors a 1-0 lead.
The second half opened with the same scoreline, but City went about altering that as best they could. In the 53rd minute a Ben Sedgemore corner was cleared to loan signing Kevin Ellison. The shaven headed Stockport man fired a powerful low drive into the area that was deflected towards Gary Fletcher. Fletcher half turned and fired an unstoppable equaliser past the below par Pilkington.
On 68 minutes City broke free again. Fletcher brought the ball down superbly close to the half way line and set off towards the goal. Hungry as ever he beat two players before firing an unstoppable curling drive from 25 yards out. Pilkington never stood a chance. 2-1.
Before anyone had a chance to catch their breath City killed off the Stags. A Marcus Richardson flick fell into the path of Francis Green. His electric pace saw him beat a defender before lobbing Pilkington. Green celebrated with an acrobatic back flip!
City steadied the ship for the final twenty minutes without ever really having to deal with a threat. In fact City began to dominate their opponents with Kevin Ellison causing problems down the left again and again. Fellow debutant Jamie McCombe rattled the crossbar and produced cries of 'Are you watching Brian Laws' from a jubilant Stacey West. Minutes later they were sent into seventh heaven.
Simon Yeo beat the offside trap and rushed goalwards. Pilkington rushed off his line and for the second time in the afternoon was lobbed by a City shirt. 4-1 and game over.
With ruthless finishing and blistering pace City had destroyed one of division threes stronger sides. The final whistle signalled a roar of joy from the 4,300 home fans. By that time the majority of the travelling faithful were already on the A57 making the short journey home.