Mansfield Town under-18s return to action at RH Academy on Saturday when they face Sheffield United in the Premier League Cup (11am kick-off).
All supporters are welcome to attend the game for free at the following venue: RH Academy, Woburn Lane, Mansfield, NG19 7RT.
Last Saturday, the young Stags won a Nottinghamshire Derby contest 2-0 at home to Notts County.
Professional development phase lead coach Steve Chettle was pleased with how his side dominated the encounter.
“Our performances have been really good,” Steve said.
“Everybody wants to feel good about winning against our local rivals and we played really well. They [Notts] didn’t have a single shot on target all game.
“Our energy was really good and, for the first time this season, we took a couple of chances when we needed to.”
The ‘couple of chances’ were despatched by attacking midfielder Jakub Kruszynski as the youngster netted on 86 and 88 minutes to settle the clash.
“He [Kruszysnki] was very good,” Steve added.
“Jakub had a very good pre-season; he’s had some time in the first team as well.
“He played more of a central role against Notts County. He, technically, is very very good and his first goal was a bit of individual brilliance.
“The second one – he followed up on the rebound for a tap-in.”
On Saturday’s opponents, Sheffield United, the former Nottingham Forest defender said: “They’re a Category 2 club. They play in the Premier League 2 so it’s a new fixture for us.
“It’s another challenge for us. It’s the first time we’ll play in the Premier League Cup.
“We’re looking for as many good outcomes as we can, and we want to go and win the game. That’s the main objective for every game – to play really well and go on to win a football match.”
The professional development phase lead coach finished by offering his thoughts on the inclusion of several youngsters in the matchday squad as Stags beat Sheffield Wednesday in the Carabao Cup second round at Hillsborough on Tuesday evening.
“It was great,” he said.
“It’s a great achievement for the club to get to the third round and a great way to do it at Hillsborough.
“For the kids to be involved in it, and feel the excitement of a League Cup tie and win, it’s something they’ll remember for a very long time.
“Hopefully, it’s the first of many occasions as they get to be with the senior group.
“We were really pleased as an Academy, and with how it’s going for us, and how much the gaffer includes the players into the group.”
