Stags' under-18s will face Burton Albion under-18s tonight in the opening game of the EFL Youth Alliance Cup (7.30pm kick-off) at Impact Arena.
It will be the second time in as many weeks that the sides have met, after Mansfield hosted Burton in the league only 12 days ago.
On that occasion, John Dempster’s side put in an excellent performance, winning the match 3-0, with Jimmy Knowles, Kamen Cashmore and Tyrese Sinclair all getting on the scoresheet for the Stags.
Stags have been drawn into Group 4 of the northern section of the Youth Alliance Cup, with Rochdale, Fleetwood Town and Grimsby Town being the other teams that complete the group.
The cup sees teams from the northern and southern sections face each other in a bid to reach the sectional finals, with the winners of each final coming together to stage the regional final. The top two sides from each group will progress to the knockout stages.
Last season, Luton Town were crowned champions, after beating Wigan 1-0 in the regional final.
Stags made it to the northern quarter-finals last term, narrowly losing to Grimsby on penalties after a 1-1 draw.
Burton’s league form this season has been identical to that of the Stags, with both sides having won, drawn and lost in their opening three fixtures. Only the Stags’ superior goal difference separates them in fifth place, and the Brewers in sixth.
Burton saw off Oldham Athletic with a convincing 3-0 victory last Saturday, whilst the Stags suffered a narrow 2-1 defeat at the hands of Scunthorpe United last time out.
Sinclair put the Stags ahead with a superb free-kick in the second-half, but after missing a penalty, Mansfield conceded a late quickfire double by Scunthorpe forward Levi Gallimore.
For those supporters wishing to attend the game, please see full address details below: Alfreton Town Impact Arena, North St, Alfreton, DE55 7FZ.
Admission details for the fixture: Adults: £4. Concessions: £2. Children that are accompanied by a paying adult will be given free entry.
