The Youth Alliance Cup returns this Saturday, which sees Stags’ under-18s face Grimsby Town under-18s in the Group 4 home tie at Rainworth Miners Welfare (11am kick-off).
Mansfield were last in action in their league match away to Doncaster Rovers. Despite being 4-0 behind in the game, Stags almost staged a late comeback, with second-half strikes coming from Jimmy Knowles and Ryan Ingram to make it an interesting last ten minutes. Ultimately though, the home side held on to a 4-2 victory, inflicting Stags’ second defeat of the season.
Stags’ opening cup match in Group 4 took place in August, where Stags put in an impressive away performance, winning 3-1 against Burton Albion, with Knowles grabbing himself a brace and Kamen Cashmore getting on the scoresheet.
So far this season, John Dempster’s side have had little trouble finding the net, having scored 19 goals in eight games in all competitions. However, having only kept one clean sheet in those eight games, the Stags’ youth boss and coaching staff will be keen to ensure that the Stags put in a solid defensive display in this weekend's game.
Saturday’s opposition, Grimsby, currently sit top of Group 4 – one place above Mansfield – having beaten Fleetwood Town 4-0 last time out. Grimsby are unbeaten in the league this season, having won two and drawn two of their opening four fixtures, and currently occupy seventh place in the table.
Saturday proves to be an interesting match-up, as both teams will be going in search of three points in order to improve their chances of progressing to the knock-out stages.
All fans are welcome to attend the game, and for those who wish to, full address details of the venue can be found below: Rainworth Miners Welfare, Kirklington Road, Rainworth, Mansfield, NG21 0JY.
