Mansfield Town's under 18s can reclaim top spot in the EFL Youth Alliance with a win against Lincoln City at Rainworth Miners Welfare on Saturday (11.00am kick-off).
The Stags are second in the North East Division and can overtake current league leaders Rotherham United with a win or a draw – the Millers have played one game more than John Dempster's side.
Last time out, Mansfield won 2-0 away at Burton Albion thanks to goals from left winger Sam Jackson and second-half substitute and fellow wideman Irywah Gooden.
The victory was the Stags' fifth in a row and a fifth consecutive clean sheet which has helped the young guns record the league's best defensive record.
The excellent run has continued in the cup competitions too; the Stags have progressed to the third round of the FA Youth Cup where they face Crystal Palace at One Call Stadium next Thursday.
They're also in pole position to qualify for the next stage of the EFL Youth Alliance Cup, sitting top of Group 5.
Academy Manager John Dempster has rotated his squad in recent weeks, sometimes out of choice, others out of necessity.
Goalkeeper Xavier Sundby has been sidelined for the last two games with a back injury which has allowed Harrison Davison to deputise.
Combative midfielder Jack Cornell limped out of the away win at Burton after taking a knock to his shin but will still be in contention to start on Saturday.
Lincoln City sit fourth in the table but visit Rainworth Miners Welfare in a dismal run of form, with no wins from their last seven games.
The Imps began the campaign brightly, with five wins and three draws from their opening ten matches, but a 2-1 derby defeat against Grimsby Town has seen their title challenge falter.
They are also struggling to make the next round of the EFL Alliance Cup and were knocked out in the first round of the FA Youth Cup by Coventry City.
The last meeting between the sides, in January 2017, ended in a 0-0 draw.
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 as follows:
Rainworth Miners Welfare
Kirklington Road
Rainworth
NG21 0JY
