Mansfield Town's under 18s will open their FA Youth Cup campaign against Grimsby Town at Blundell Park this evening (7.00pm kick-off).
When the teams met earlier this season in the EFL Youth Alliance, the Stags ran out 3-2 winners which was the catalyst for a run of four successive wins.
More recently, the Stags responded to the 2-1 defeat to Oldham Athletic with a comfortable 2-0 win against York City last Saturday, their third win in five games.
Academy manager John Dempster rotated his squad and gave starts to striker Riley O'Sullivan and defender Steve Johnson, both of whom impressed.
Stags' captain Henri Wilder was substituted with ten minutes to go after picking up an injury but should be fit to play on Friday.
Centre forward Rhys Sarson came on for Wilder and scored the second goal, which is likely to put him in contention for a starting place against the Mariners.
Grimsby recorded an impressive win against table toppers and local rivals Lincoln City on 08 October, with an unexpected 2-1 win in the EFL Youth Alliance.
But they were sent crashing back to earth against Rotherham United the following week, losing 3-0.
The winners of the tie will play either Rotherham United or Bottesford Town away in round two.
The tie will give the under 18s the opportunity to play at an EFL League Two stadium. Blundell Park has been home to Grimsby for 118 years and has a capacity of 9,052.
Last season, Stags reached the Third Round of the competition before bowing out to Category One academy Fulham in West London.
For fans wishing to attend Friday's match, kick-off is at 7:00pm and only the main stand will be open, with access via Harrington Street.
Admission prices are £3 for adults and £1 for concessions.
The address is:
Blundell Park
Cleethorpes,
Lincolnshire,
DN35 7PY
