Goals in each half by Lee Gregory and Ben Waine gave in-form Mansfield their fourth successive league victory with a deserved 2-0 victory at Crawley.
The hosts improved after the break but struggled to create many clear-cut chances as their winless league run was extended to six games.
Interim Crawley boss Ben Gladwin urged his side to give new manager Rob Elliot, in the stands after agreeing a two-and-a-half-year deal, a boost by showing “more teeth” at the top of the pitch.
But Mansfield went ahead in the 12th minute when former Sheffield Wednesday striker Gregory fired his sixth goal of the season from 12 yards after a corner by Aaron Lewis was played back at the far post by Baily Cargill.
The Red Devils began the second half on the front foot and after former Stags striker Will Swann had put a deflected header off target, Josh Flint drove wide from 25 yards.
Mansfield boss Nigel Clough received a booking from referee Charles Breakspear after Crawley goalkeeper Jojo Wollacott clattered into Will Evans in claiming a cross but went unpunished.
Ronan Darcy fired against the base of the post for Crawley before substitute Waine broke through for Mansfield only to be denied by Wollacott on the edge of the area.
But the Stags made the points safe in the second minute of stoppage time when Waine struck home an assured left-footed shot into the corner.