Striker Ricky Miller was impressed with how the younger Stags' players performed in the reserves' 5-2 win over Rotherham on Tuesday.
Miller scored a hat-trick in the game, but was quick to point out the contributions that the younger players made to an emphatic victory.
Keaton Ward started the game, with the likes of Alistair Smith, Lewis Gibbens, Jason Law and Jordan Graham all coming off the bench to feature.
Miller said that it was good on a personal level to get some playing time before Saturday's game against Crewe, and that the experience on the whole was a good one for the under-21 players.
"It was good to get a run out and get some minutes under my belt," he said. "It was good for the kids to play against some experience and I thought they did really well, so it was a good exercise.
"I think it's the best way for them to learn - to play with senior players. The sooner they can start doing that the better and I think they all played superbly today, they can all be proud of themselves."
The forward also looked ahead to this weekend's match, as Crewe Alexandra are set to visit One Call Stadium on Saturday.
"We'll get back in tomorrow and train hard, and just work towards three points," he added.
"We'll get in and the gaffer will tell us what he needs from us - then hopefully we can make a good impression at home."
Tickets for the game against Crewe are still available to buy via www.stagstickets.co.uk, or at the ticket office on Quarry Lane. The office is open from Monday to Friday 10.00am to 5.00pm, and up until 3.00pm on matchday.