Rovers paid the price for missed chances early on as they found themselves 2-0 in the first half before substitute Ben Close halved the deficit after heading home from a corner.
Another substitute, Joe Ironside, brought Rovers level midway through the second half before Mansfield sealed the win late on after both teams missed great chances to win the game.
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5. Bobby Faulkner - 5
Replaced due to injury after just 35 minutes. It had been a difficult start for him before then. A night when nothing went right for the young defender. Photo: Howard Roe/ahpix.com
6. Will Flint - 6
Made a nervy start on his professional debut, understandably, but another player whose performance picked up. Carried the ball forward well at times. Photo: Howard Roe/AHPIX LTD
7. Deji Sotona - 6
Looked well off it before assisting Ben Close's goal with a brilliant corner kick delivery. Still some way off forcing his way into the starting XI on this evidence. Photo: Howard Roe/ahpix.com
8. Owen Bailey - 6
Looked more assured after switching to centre-back after starting the match in midfield, where Doncaster lost the battle early on. Photo: Bruce Rollinson