Mansfield Town's under 21s will welcome Hartlepool United to Rainworth Miners Welfare this afternoon in The Central League (2pm kick-off).
Mike Whitlow's side had a break in their fixture schedule last week which means today's match will be their first game since the 6-2 defeat against Grimsby Town a fortnight ago.ÂThe under 21s were re-formed over the summer in order to bridge the gap between the first team and the under 18s and Stags have brought in a number of promising players which head coach Whitlow has taken under his wing.Â
The side have also contained a number of first team players over the course of the season, with midfielders James Baxendale, Jamie McGuire and CJ Hamilton appearing alongside striker Pat Hoban to get vital minutes under their belts to force their way in to Adam Murray's first team reckoning.Â
Last time out, the under 21s were beaten 6-2 by a strong Grimsby side which contained plenty of first team experience, including former Stag Craig Disley. Individual defensive errors cost the Stags on that occasion, and head coach Mike Whitlow said it was an opportunity for his players to learn from their mistakes.Â
The match will be the second time that our under 21s have faced Pools this season after coming up against them in their final pre-season match prior to the beginning of the league campaign, in which the County Durham side triumphed 2-1.
Supporters will be able to attend today's match, if they so wish, and the address is as follows:Â
Rainworth Miners Welfare
Kirklington Road,
Rainworth,
Mansfield,
Ng21 0JYÂ
