The Blues’ U18s are in FA Youth Cup action against King’s Lynn Town at Portman Road this evening (KO 7.45pm).
"The FA Youth Cup is a great experience for the academy players and staff and provides a very different challenge to the normal weekly academy programme,” U18s manager Adem Atay told the club site.
"The chance to play in what is a prestigious competition at this level and to also experience playing on the first-team pitch can help and aid the development of our young players.
"Playing under floodlights and in the stadium will be a new experience for some of the players tonight and it gives the staff an opportunity to look at how the boys handle that.
"The players will approach the match as they do every game, with the intention of winning while performing to a level that meets their own and the club’s standards.”
The Linnets, whose senior team play in the Vanarama National League North, twice came from behind to defeat Hitchin Town 4-3 away via a last-minute goal last month to progress to the first round proper. In previous rounds they had beaten Mildenhall 3-1, Brantham Athletic 6-2 and Bury Town 6-4.
The winners of the tie will face Exeter City at home in the second round, the Grecians having beaten local rivals Plymouth in round one.
Last season the Town youngsters were beaten 4-1 by Watford at the last 16 stage of the competition.
The Blues have won the FA Youth Cup on three occasions, in 1973, 1975 and 2005.
Entry is via the East of England Co-op Stand turnstiles only priced at £3 for adults and £1 for concessions.