Mansfield came from behind to gain a point at Griffin Park, but should have gained all three after playing the hosts off the field in the second period.

In a thrilling curtain raiser, the Stags showed great endeavour going forward and were thwarted on several occasions by the outstanding Ben Hamer in the home goal.

Brentford had to withstand heavy second half pressure from the Stags, and if not for goalkeeper Ben Hamer the Stags would have secured maximum points

The Stags' start to the new campaign didn't get off to the best of starts when Alan O'Connell fired the Londoner's in front after left-back Grant Basey, swung in a cross from the left, and fellow newcomer Connell was on hand to fire a sweetly-struck shot past Jason White from 12 yards.

Terry Butcher's new look Brentford side settled in to the game well, but the Stags hit back quickly with Mickey Boulding and John mcAliskey posing a threat up front.

Mansfield's persistence in searching for an equaliser paid off soon after when Mickey Boulding unleashed a sensational long range drive to silence the home fans and leave Ben Hamer clutching at air.It was an tremendous effort from Boulding, who has been looking as sharp as any one in pre-season training.

In a topsy-turvy first half, Brentford went in to the half time interval with high hopes having had the majority of possession in the last 10 minutes of the first period.

HALF TIME:  BRENTFORD 1-1 MANSFIELD TOWN

But it was the Stags who upped the tempo during the second half, and stunned the home and following fans alike by not adding to their tally.

With all guns blazing, the Stags attacked the home end from the blast of the second half whistle.

Dan Martin had the first chance of the second period, when put one on one with the goalkeeper but somehow managed to blaze his shot wide when he should have tested the home custodian.

It was then John McAliskey's turn tohold his head in his hands, after finding space inside the area, but crashed his effort against the angle of crossbar and post.

Ben Hamer, easily Brentford's best player, then came to the rescue for the Bees to keep them in the match.

He firstly saved by his legs after a shot by Boulding , and then acrobatically turned a headed effort around the post from Dan Martin.

The Stags looked even livelier when Nathan Arnold was brought on.The youngster sent the Brentford defence in to a merry dance early in to his arrival and tested Hamer on a couple of occasions.

With the tempo rising, both sets of fans were on tenterhooks as another goal looked certain.But despite heavy pressure in the second half from the Stags, Brentford held firm and had their keeper to thank keeping them in the game.

Mansfield also survived a late penalty shout when it appeared Adrian pettigrew had his shirt pulled in the box, but the referee gave a free kick in the favour of Mansfield.

The Stags will take encouragement from this encounter ahead of Tuesday's Carling Cup tie at Oldham Athletic on Tuesday.