A FIRST YEAR FULL OF SUCCESS

AFC Mansfield was formed in 2012 and joined the Central Midlands Football League, signing a 10-year rolling deal to play at the Forest Town Arena.

The newly-formed club - nicknamed ‘the Bulls’ - began their journey in the 2012/13 season, when they fought on four fronts and nearly won the lot.

Despite mustering 176 goals and losing just twice, the Bulls had to settle for a runners-up place to Dronfield, who dropped just five points all season to clinch the league title. But success would come in the Notts Intermediate Cup final where they defeated Beeston AFC, and a Floodlit Cup final victory over Newark Town would earn a cup double for the Bulls in their first ever season as a club.

It could have been a hat-trick of cup titles, but a tiresome nine-man AFC would be beaten in injury time by Clifton All Whites in the League Cup final at Alfreton Town.

Ariseuptheleagues

The club entered the FA Vase for the first time in the 2013/14 season, and were eventually knocked out in a replay by step five side Huntingdon Town.

But much more success was to come later that season, as the Bulls clinched the Central Midlands Football League North Division title before beating Thorne Colliery in the League Cup final to earn their fourth piece of silverware in two seasons... Although a treble eluded them once again with defeat in the Floodlit Cup final to Bulwell FC.

In their first season in the Northern Counties East football League Division One, the Bulls came one game away from an FA Vase quarter-final by reaching the fifth round - a record run - but were knocked out 3-0 by Tadcaster Albion.