Stevenage halted Mansfield’s impressive five-game winning streak with a 1-0 win in the Sky Bet League One match at the One Call Stadium.
It was the promoted Stags’ first home defeat and only a second loss in their opening 10 games.
Stevenage grew into the first half after a slow start and dominated for spells, leading at the break after a sensational Jake Young free-kick in the 32rd minute.
From 22 yards out and left of centre, he smashed home an unstoppable finish past Christy Pym into the top right corner of the net.
Pym had made a great save five minutes earlier, beating away a vicious drive by Kane Smith after a fabulous run by Jamie Reid.
The hosts were much improved on the restart and, within three minutes, visiting goalkeeper Murphy Cooper had to parry a powerful Stephen Quinn shot from a tight angle.
In the 66th minute Stephen McLaughlin drilled a low free-kick to the near post, where Cooper got down to keep Lee Gregory’s flick out of the net.
Five minutes later Pym made a crucial stop to repel an effort from Elliot List, while Cooper blocked a good Keanu Baccus shot with eight minutes remaining as Stevenage defended superbly to see out the win.