A young Mansfield Town side will travel to Staffordshire later today to face Port Vale in the Central League (2.00pm kick-off).
Although manager Steve Evans normally utilises the reserves' games to increase the competitive match minutes of his squad, a young Stags' side will face the Valiants as the boss has organised a behind-closed-doors friendly against a League One club.
Stags' young professionals such as goalkeeper Sam Wilson, striker Tyler Blake and frontman Jason Law are likely to be involved, as are a number of our under 18s, who are currently excelling at the top of the EFL Youth Alliance.
The Valiants are top of the Central League with 22 points from their eight games thanks to seven wins and a draw from their fixtures.
They lead the way by 12 points to second-place Walsall, however the Saddlers have played two games fewer.
Stags currently sit sixth in the Central League north division, but have only played three games in the competition so far this season. They've won two and lost one of their three fixtures.
Last week, an Omari Sterling-James hat-trick helped Stags to a thrilling 3-2 win away to Rotherham United in the semi-final of the Central League Cup, whilst Vale were on the receiving end of a 3-1 scoreline against Wigan Athletic in the other semi-final.
Supporters are welcome to watch the match at the following venue:
Vale Park
Hamil Road,
Stoke-on-Trent
ST6 1AW
