The Bulls fell to their first defeat of pre-season as Sheffield FC coasted to a comfortable 3-0 victory.
Though the contest was evenly poised for its majority, the visitors punished at almost every available opportunity to open up a significant advantage and take home the bragging rights.
All present at the behind-closed-doors event were treated to hot tropical weather as well as a hotly contested tie, although the players may have been less appreciative of the humid conditions.
Visitors Sheffield started the stronger side, and an error from Jordan Annable allowed Jack Holmes to square for Jack Watson to bundle home an early opener.
AFC's first-half chances were limited largely to dead-ball situations, but their first real opportunity came when Luke Walker's low out-swinging cross was fumbled by the Club goalkeeper, only for Ross Duggan to unluckily send an overhead kick over the crossbar.
Having made changes in response to AFC's strong start after the interval, Sheffield doubled their advantage when Alex Wonham cut onto his left foot to emphatically lace the ball beyond Hugo Warhurst.
The visitors saved the best until last, though, as Max Rhodes sealed the deal late on with a wicked strike off the crossbar from the edge of the penalty area.
The Bulls are back in action again this Saturday, paying a visit to NCEL Division One side Hall Road Rangers for their fourth pre-season friendly.
[Images provided very kindly by Dan Westwell]
MATCH DETAILS
Final score | AFC Mansfield 0-3 Sheffield FC
Scorers | Watson, Wonham, Rhodes
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