THE Stags never got a foothold in this match against the play-off hopefuls on Saturday.

Tony Mercer’s Cricklefield side were 2-0 down at the break after a decent start was spoiled by a disputed 35th minute penalty for the hosts.

Keeper Jason Willis could not stop Paul Kavanagh’s spot kick.

After the break, Alex Read pulled one back for Forest FC when he was first to the rebound from Kurt Smith’s saved penalty, on 65 minutes.

But the Boro netted twice more inside the final 20 minutes to wrap up a heavy defeat for the Stags.

Now Mercer prepares his side to host Brentwood Town on Saturday.