Mansfield Town

The young Stags come into the game in good form and high spirits after back-to-back wins. 

Last time out, our under 18s secured a dominant 3-0 victory over non-league Bedworth United to move into the second round proper of the FA Youth Cup after goals from midfielder Cain Smith and forward Nyle Blake added to a first half own goal.

That win came after a good performance against Lincoln City, when the Stags ran out 3-1 winners to ensure John Dempster’s side maintained the top spot in the division. 

Now the young Stags face the challenge of the team who sit second in the league. Notts County are five points adrift of the Stags’ 22 point benchmark, but the Magpies have played two games less than the home side. 

The away team lost in their FA Youth Cup fixture last time out, being defeated 3-1 by Romulus at Meadow Lane on Tuesday evening.

But the Magpies shouldn’t be underestimated, as their good form in the league means they have only lost one of their last four matches, a 4-1 defeat to Doncaster Rovers.  

Head coach John Dempster will have a large squad to pick from, but does have a few injury worries. Striker Zayn Hakeem made his return from international duty in the FA Youth Cup and several young players gained vital experience in the Central League Cup away to Shrewsbury Town, but striker Ashanti Pryce and winger Tom Marriott are both likely to miss Saturday's match with their respective niggles. 

The match will take place at Brooksby Melton College and is free entry for all. The address is as follows: 

Brooksby Melton College, 

Brooksby Campus, 

Brooksby, 

Leicestershire, 

LE14 2LJ