THE pressure is starting to build on Mansfield boss Graham Coughlan as they chase a first League Two win of the season.

Coughlan has been one of the busier recruiters in the transfer window – and has added Charlton midfielder George Lapslie on a season-long loan this week.

Last week’s goalless draw against Stevenage was the third point for the Stags from their opening five league games.

It means that Coughlan has won only four out of 20 matches since he quit Bristol Rovers for Mansfield in December to move nearer to his family.

His first home victory came against City the following month just nine days before Gary Bowyer’s departure.

Mansfield have signed a dozen players since last season, including Ollie Clarke, Coughlan’s captain at Bristol Rovers.

Striker Nicky Maynard also to stay on in the summer after interest from City. Stuart McCall didn’t pursue a deal because of concerns on both sides about the travelling time Maynard would face if he moved.

The Bantams have faced criticism in some quarters for not doing more in the market – with the likes of Mansfield held up as an example of a club trying to make things happen.

But despite the big turnaround of personnel, it has been a slow start at the One Call Stadium and the fans are becoming a bit restless.

Coughlan was pleased to see his side break the habit of conceding late goals after claiming a rare clean sheet in their last outing. Mansfield were also twice foiled by the woodwork.

The Irishman said: “Given the last couple of weeks, we’ve laid a little ghost to rest as we’ve shown we can hang on and that we can keep clean sheets.

“It gives us a platform and something to build on leading into Bradford next week.

“I would’ve liked a win, as there has been a little bit of negativity around. Hopefully we can go into Bradford having picked up a bit of confidence.”