The Under-18s go to Sheffield United on Saturday looking to avoid being cut down by another ‘Steel City’ foe.
The youth team saw their four-match unbeaten run ended by a 2-1 home defeat to Sheffield Wednesday last week.
And boss Tony Philliskirk – who started his own career at United – is hoping to kick-start another run against the third-placed Blades.
“We were disappointed with the result last weekend but far from disappointed with the performance,” said Philliskirk, whose side was beaten by a late penalty to remain fifth in the U18 Professional Development League’s northern group.