ALEX Nicholls scored a late penalty to give Exeter City a 3-2 victory at Mansfield yesterday which moves within a point of the League Two play-off spots.

Tom Nichols headed in an Arron Davies cross to give the Grecians the lead in the 37th minute.

Mansfield replied through Billy Kee's header and Vadaine Oliver's but Scot Bennett levelled with 13 minutes to go.

Then seven minutes from time Nicholls' penalty sealed the points after keeper Adam Smith brought down David Wheeler.