Mansfield Town's under 18s return to league action this weekend with a tough trip to Oldham Athletic (Saturday 14 October, 12.00pm kick-off).
Stags comprehensively defeated Shrewsbury Town 5-2 in the EFL Youth Alliance Cup last weekend, extending their unbeaten run in all competitions to nine games.
Braces from midfielder Keaton Ward and winger Nyle Blake, in addition to centre-half Lewis Gibbens' header ensured that Stags racked up their third win of the cup campaign.
Focussing on league matters, academy manager John Dempster's side currently occupy fourth spot in the division, three points off the top of the league.
Dempster, Stags' former captain, has previously spoken about how tight matches often are and this has been highlighted this season, with many of the Stags' matches being decided by the odd-goal.
Saturday's opponents Oldham are three points above the Stags in the league table, but have played a game more.
They've won five and lost two of their seven fixtures, whilst Stags have won three and drawn three of their six.
Last time out, the Latics lost 3-2 at home to Chesterfield in the Youth Alliance Cup, but won 3-2 at home to Hartlepool in the league prior to that.
The Latics ran John Dempster's side close in the race for the league title last season, but ultimately fell short as they picked up just five points from their final five games of the season.
Saturday's clash will be another test of the young Stags' mettle, as they try to maintain their challenge at the top end of the EFL Youth Alliance.
Stags' fans can travel to Lancashire to watch the game, if they so wish, at the following venue:
Chapel Road Training Ground,
Hollinwood,
Oldham
OL8 4QL
