Macclesfield are still looking for a first away win this season after throwing away the lead to crash to a 3-2 defeat against a battling Mansfield side at Field Mill.
Indeed, Macclesfield, who fought back to lead 2-1 at half time, might have snatched a point in a rousing finale.
The tricky Martin Carruthers was twice denied when clear in the area in the last five minutes. Firsly he was denied by Kevin Pilkington's reflex save and then his goal bound shot was deflected wide by Tony Vaughan's brave challenge.
At the other end Vaughan's speculative 30 yard shot from the byline struck the woodwork with keeper Boaz Myhill stranded and Junior Mendes saw his close range shot excellently stopped.
Afterwards angry Macclesfield Manager Dave Moss said "It was rank-bad defending and it can't go on. We had victory in our hands but let it slip through." Relieved Mansield boss Keith Curle added: "I was glad for the half time whistle as it gave me the chance to give the players their belief back." The Stags had got off to the perfect start, central defender Dave Artell heading in Liam Lawrence's seventh minute corner for his first goal for the club in what could be his last game.
The Silkmen grabbed a surprise 14th minute equaliser from their first shot. Matthew Tipton's free kick flew straight into the top corner as keeper Pilkington and Macclesfield striker Carruthers tried to get a touch.
Four minutes later the visitors were almost in front, with John Miles' surging run ending with a low drive which the diving Pilkington finger-tipped around the post.
Mansfield created the better chances, however, with twin strikers Mendes and Iyseden Christie in the thick of the action. First Christie headed onto the roof of the net, then Mendes hammered against the bar from Christie's flick-on before he then fired over from six yards after a mazy Mendes run.
Seven minutes before half time, Mansfield were made to pay for those misses when Miles fired Macclesfield in front. The midfielder sprinted clear to collect Danny Whitaker's clever pass in a carbon copy of his 18th minute chance, but this time his low finish evaded Pilkington's despairing dive.
Three minutes into the second half, Tipton's snap shot crashed against the foot of the post as chances came thick and fast at both ends.
That let off for the home side proved crucial. Just four minutes later, Mendes equalised, bundling in Bobby Hassle's cross.
Then in the 68th minute, man of the match Mendes was tripped by Karl Monroe and Lawrence tucked away the winner from the penalty spot.