Mansfield Town's under 18s return to FA Youth Cup action at One Call Stadium on Tuesday (15 November, 7.45pm kick-off) to face Dunkirk FC in the second round of the competition.
While the Stags progressed to this stage after a professional 3-0 victory over non-league side Bedworth United, Dunkirk overcame Coventry City’s under 18 side after extra time.Â
Impressively, Dunkirk were reduced to ten men early in the game after Oliver Robinson was sent off.Â
A frantic game followed and ended 2-2 in normal time after Jordan Ponticelli tapped in from close range late on to ensure there'd be another half-an-hour of action.
Then in extra time Pierce Bird turned in from a corner late on to steal victory against a Coventry side who reached the quarter finals last season.Â
Stags showcased a professional performance in the first round to defeat Bedworth and progressed to the second stage thanks to goals from midfielder Cain Smith and striker Nyle Blake, in addition to a first half own goal.
Head coach John Dempster should have striker Zayn Hakeem available to him after he signed professional terms with the club and celebrated doing so following a call-up to the Antigua and Barbuda under 20 side.
Hakeem marked his international exploits with an excellent brace in a 3-2 win over Bermuda which ensured the team topped their group undefeated to progress in the Caribbean Football Union’s Under 20 Championship.Â
Another one of the Stags' youngsters has also made an impression in the senior ranks. Defender Kieran Harrison gained valuable first team experience in the Checkatrade Trophy group stage match against Derby County, when he was named on the bench.Â
The match against Dunkirk will kick-off at 7.45pm and supporters are welcome to attend the match at the following admission prices:
Adults: ÂŁ3
Concessions (under 17s and over 60s): ÂŁ1
The Ian Greaves Stand lower tier will be the only stand open for the match, with admission being gained from the first turnstile of the Ian Greaves Stand, closest to the Quarry Lane End (turnstile 20).Â
Supporters will be required to pay in cash at the turnstile to gain admission to One Call Stadium.Â