By Joe Jones
Notts County were pegged back eight minutes into injury time as Mansfield Town's late, late penalty saw them leave Meadow Lane with a point in a 1-1 draw.
The Magpies were on the verge of recording a first league win over the Stags since 2005 in front of a bumper crowd that braved the snowy, cold, treacherous conditions at the San Sirrel.
Kevin Nolan's boys took the lead in the first half through Terry Hawkridge bundling home, but the Stags were given the chance to equalise eight minutes into the seven minutes of added time at the end of the game.
Alex MacDonald headed into the box in the last minute of injury time with the ball hitting Lewis Alessandra on the arm, prompting referee Andy Woolmer to point to the spot.
Kane Hemmings made no mistake from 12 yards, and so the hoodoo against the bitter rivals continues.
How did the Notts contingent (Kevin Nolan, players and fans) react to the result? Here is Pride of Nottingham's post-match reaction compilation.
Kevin Nolan (official site)
"I don't think I've ever been involved in a game with weather conditions like that.
"I'm delighted with the lads for the way they went about it in really difficult conditions.
"We shaded it, had chances and limited them to very few until the last minute, when they are going to throw everything at you.
"The way we handled everything - the occasion, the atmosphere and the conditions - was absolutely spot on.
"They deserved to win after the performance they put in."
Kevin Nolan (Nottingham Post)
“My lads have been robbed of two points. We played really well and they got the goal they deserved. They limited Mansfield to very few chances.
“The first chance they had in which the keeper had to make a save was in the 97th minute.
“I am flabbergasted and I don’t know how we have come off the pitch having drawn the game.
“The referee cost us two points with a horrendous, terrible, decision. It was outside the box and the referee has no excuses.
“It’s so bad because my lads had to earn the right to get a goal and to try for a clean sheet.
“We did enough to win the game, but the referee has given them a penalty out of nothing.
“This is third v fifth. It’s so disappointing and it is happening week in and week out. But I am so proud of my lads.”
Terry Hawkridge (OS)
"I thought we played really well today. It was tough but I thought we dug in well, were the better side on the day and did enough to win the game but some decisions go your way and some don't.
"The lads are disappointed because it was a late goal and we thought we could hold on but we have to carry on and concentrate on the next game. This could prove to be a good point in the end."
The Black and White Army (PON social media)
Lee Atkins: 7 mins stoppage time so he gives a penalty in 7 mins 30 seconds!!! Mmmmmmm.
Derek Gill: Too many points dropped after 90 mins, will cost promotion this year.
Magpie Moomin: The only person who saw a pen was the ref where the F**K did he find 7 mins???
Richard Wood: It was a definite penalty. We asked for trouble tbf.
Dave Woolley: If we had a striker a last minute penalty wouldn’t have mattered. Same old same old.
Geoff King: They could come with us... Getting very interesting.. The top 7 could all look very different on Easter Tuesday.
Ian Rogers: Robbed by a Referee who somehow managed to pluck 7 minutes of added time from thin air, and then play 10 - W ⚓ ! !
Alan Turner: No wonder managers get in to trouble, for speaking their mind. When the FA keep protecting these idiots, and put them in a glass cage. They should be made to be held for their mistakes, and explain them. Not whitewashed over. A lot is riding on games these days. Not only money but people's livelihood. Rant over. 🤡
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