Mansfield Town’s under 21s will look to return to winning ways in the Central League against Grimsby Town later today (Tuesday 21 February, 2.00pm kick-off) at Blundell Park.
Before their second consecutive away trip, the Stags’ decent run in the New Year comprises three wins and a loss in their last four outings across all competitions.
Two of these victories in the League propelled the under 21s to fourth in the table with nine points from seven games.
Mike Whitlow’s men began 2017 in fine fashion with three wins on the trot, and several first-team players have lately played alongside the youngsters, adding to the latter’s learning curve immensely.
In the Central League Cup, striker Danny Rose and wideman Kevan Hurst – now on loan at Guiseley – scored at Kirklington Road within the first 15 minutes to seal a 2-1 victory against Notts County, whose second-half goal came from winger Sam Osborne.
York City were then defeated 4-2 in the League, thanks to an incredible first-half performance with striker Tyler Blake racing to a stunning treble alongside centre-back Kieran Harrison’s goal.
The Minstermen scored late via substitute Aaron Haswell and frontman Ryan Edmondson.
A meeting against Chesterfield followed, where first-team professional Pat Hoban’s double and midfielder Lewis Collins’ strike ensured a 3-1 victory at home. Joe Rowley was the Spireites’ sole scorer.
But last time out, the young Stags slipped to a frustrating 2-1 loss away to Hartlepool United.
In a keenly-fought encounter, Collins’ superb free-kick into the top corner nullified the hosts’ early goal from striker Tyler Harvey, but the Pools snatched the plaudits in the game’s dying seconds with substitute Josh Hawkes’ set-piece goal.
Today's opponents Grimsby Town will see action for the first time in February 2017, after their previous two fixtures against Rotherham United and York City were postponed.
The Mariners now reside second in the table, with 12 points from five games.
Their last outing before the two postponements was at Roundwood Sports Complex against the Millers, which resulted in an action-packed 4-3 victory for the Mariners.
Surprisingly, this goal-glut was goalless at half-time, but exploded in to life after the break. Mason Warren handed Rotherham the advantage, but Grimsby hit back with three goals in three minutes as Inih Effiong added to Tom Bolarinwa’s double.
Bolarinwa soon completed his hat-trick, whilst the South Yorkshire hosts rallied late with two stoppage time goals from Souylemane Naeem and Kuda Muskwe.
The Stags v Mariners under 21s’ reverse meeting in September 2016 resulted in a 6-2 humbling for Whitlow’s men, where striker Jason Law and midfielder James Baxendale scored two consolations against a Scott Vernon treble, Rhys Browne’s double and a Zak Mills goal.
Supporters are welcome to attend the game tomorrow at the following address:
Blundell Park,
Cleethorpes,
North East Lincolnshire,
DN35 7PY
Admission prices are as follows (Main Stand only):
Adults: £3
Concessions: £1
