Our Young Blues secured a fantastic 4-1 victory over an experienced Mansfield side in our first EFL Trophy Group D clash of 2026/27.

Despite the League One outfit looking the more likely to find the net first, it would be 16-year-old Xavier Parker who opened the scoring before doubling our advantage moments later.

Tyrone Samba went on to add a third as he cut inside and whipped the ball into the near corner with 10 minutes to play until the half-time whistle.

Despite an eventful first 45, Reiss’ side showed great resilience to keep the Stags at bay as Kylan Midwood found the net for our fourth and final goal.

The hosts pulled back a late effort through Regan Hendry, but the result would still confirm our place at the top of Group D in what was a hard-fought and impressive first outing for our young blues.

What happened 

After being welcomed to Mansfield with wind, heavy rain and lightning, Reiss saw his maiden campaign in the dugout for the Elite Development Squad get off to a rocky start.

The Stags showed signs of early pressure after a loose ball out from City’s box was pounced upon by the home side, but a strong clearance from Max Chabot gave us some breathing room.

Despite a bright start from our opposition, the Young Blues grew into the game and Floyd Samba was unfortunate as he took a loose touch in the box following a brilliant ball which was slid in from Kaden Braithwaite.

The game could have swung either way in the opening 15 minutes, but the Stags were edging closer to finding the net with each attack with Nathan Moriah-Welsh coming the closest as he fired the ball into the feet of Chabot.

George Maris should’ve sent the hosts ahead a minute later as he slid onto the ball with only the City ‘keeper to beat but misplaced his attempt and planted it over the crossbar.

The weather had elements of everything and so did our EFL Trophy clash as Parker slid us into the lead.

The League One side gave the ball away deep inside their own half and the 16-year-old had time and space on the edge of the box to tuck home in what was quickly becoming a standout debut for the EDS. 

City began to up the intensity and just six minutes later, the trajectory of the game swung massively in our favour with Parker doubling our lead.

Floyd Samba made a cheeky back heel to take the ball past a defender and find space to take a shot. The ball was then deflected into the path of Parker who bundled it past Lewis at close range.

There’s no doubt it breathed an air of confidence into Reiss’ Young Blues as Tyrone Samba fired home our third of the night seven minutes later. 

Mansfield continued to try and force chances in the second 45, but were unable to find a way through as City stood strong.

The hosts fired a total of 24 shots on target, but it was no match for Reiss’ Young Blues as Joshua Wilson-Esbrand made a picture perfect pass into Midwood who sliced it around the ‘keeper, who was way off his line.

One effort, however, was fruitful for Mansfield as Hendry managed to pull a goal back with minutes to go.

But it would only act as a consolation while the Blues kicked off our campaign with an emphatic win against the League One hosts.

 

Teams

Mansfield XI | Lewis, Knoyle, Hewitt, Sweeney (C) (45’ Blake-Tracy), Maris (45’ Akins), Smith (45’ Oshilaja), Moriah-Welsh, Hendry, Reed (57’ Thompson), Taylor (69’ McLaughlin), Dodgson

Subs | Secin, Hartmann

City XI | Chabot, Nfonkeu, Noble, Drake, Braithwaite (45’ Gorman), Miles (76’ Courtman), Dunbar-McDonald, F. Samba (45’ Wilson-Esbrand), Midwood, X. Parker (71’ Fapetu), T. Samba (87’ Tevenan).

Subs | Hudson

What it means 

City move top of Group E with Bolton and Rotherham still to face each other.

In the EFL Trophy, the top two teams from each group will advance to the knockout stage.

Up next 

Oliver Reiss’ side begin Premier League 2 action as we host Wolves at the Joie Stadium on Monday 24 August.

Kick-off is scheduled for 19:00 (UK) and the game will be available to watch live on CITY +.