Playing at this level for the first time in over two decades, the promoted Stags were quickly out of the blocks at Oakwell and led 2-0 after 18 minutes through goals from 38-year-old Stephen Quinn and Lee Gregory, 35.
Luca Connell pulled one back for the hosts before half-time, but Barnsley could not capitalise on a number of chances to equalise as Mansfield held on for the points.
Clough said: “What a way to start our first season back in League One and to start the game in the manner that we did.
“We just caused ourselves a problem conceding a very (un)fortunate goal in the end, being deflected, and that got them back in the game.
This story is from the August 11, 2024 edition of The Football League Paper.
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This story is from the August 11, 2024 edition of The Football League Paper.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
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