Mansfield Town under 18s are back in EFL Youth Alliance action this Saturday when they host Bradford City at Rainworth Miners Welfare (11.00 am kick-off).
The Stags will be in high spirits after their mid-week FA Youth Cup victory over Rotherham United, in which winger Irywah Gooden's far post header clinched a 1-0 win at the New York Stadium.
Stags are currently fifth in the table and have just one defeat in their last six games.
They do, however, have two games in hand over current table toppers Oldham Athletic. If the Stags win both, they'll be level on points with the Latics at the summit of the EFL Youth Alliance.
A win against Bradford could see the Stags go second by close of play on Saturday, but only if three of the four teams above them lose or draw.
Stags haven't taken part in a league fixture since 28 October when they defeated York City 2-0, but have since progressed through two rounds of the FA Youth Cup.
They dumped out Grimsby Town in the first round thanks to midfielder Sam Jackson's wonder strike, before the aforementioned Gooden headed home against the Millers in the second round on Wednesday night.
Academy manager John Dempster's side will now face Premier League side Crystal Palace in the third round, which will take place at One Call Stadium.
The visitors sit ninth in the North East Division and have only won once in ten league games. Last time out, they came from behind to draw 1-1 with Hartlepool United.
Their poor showings have been further exacerbated this season in the EFL Youth Alliance Cup, where they sit bottom of Northern Group Two on zero points. The Bantams also exited the FA Youth Cup after a first-round defeat to Blackpool.
For fans wishing to attend the game, admission is priced at £3. Food and beverages will be available and parking is free around the ground.
The address is for the fixture is:
Rainworth Miners Welfare
Kirklington Road
Rainworth
NG21 0JY
