x

U18s in FA Youth Cup Action at Cardiff - Ipswich Town News

Town’s U18s face Cardiff City for the second time in two weeks in an FA Youth Cup third round tie at the Cardiff City Stadium on Saturday afternoon (KO 3pm).

Last weekend a very young Blues side featuring a number of U16s were beaten 3-0 by the Bluebirds in a league fixture.

"It’s a great opportunity for them, it’s going to be a good game, both good footballing teams. We’re looking forward to it,” academy head of coaching and player development Bryan Klug said.

"Anything can happen with kids in a three o’clock kick-off at the stadium. That’s a big experience for them.”

Klug believes last week's encounter will have little bearing on Saturday’s tie given the young side the Blues fielded on that occasion.

"I don’t think you can read anything into that game,” he added. "We played them here earlier in the season and it was the other way round, we dominated that game [winning 3-1].

"You don’t know what’s going to happen in those games, you just go and hope that they adapt to it. We’ve got some good players, without a shadow of a doubt, that’s more important.”

The winner of the tie will travel to face AFC Bournemouth in round four, the Cherries having beaten Barnet in their third round match on Wednesday. That game has to be played prior to Saturday 18th January.

"They won 4-3 on Wednesday, they were 4-0 up at half-time,” Klug added. "Another nice journey.

"[Former Town academy striker] Alan Connell is doing the youth team there. They’re an up and coming academy. They’re doing well Bournemouth.”

The young Blues defeated Exeter 2-1 in round two of the FA Youth Cup last month having thrashed King’s Lynn 6-1 in the first.

Last season the Town youngsters reached the last 16 stage of the competition where they were beaten 4-1 by Watford.

The Blues have won the FA Youth Cup on three occasions, in 1973, 1975 and 2005.

What to read next:

Kipre: I Hope I Showed Boss He Can Trust Me
Town defender Cédric Kipré hopes to have earned Kieran McKenna’s trust following his East Anglian derby heroics on Sunday.
Neville in New Zealand Squad
Ipswich Town Women’s full-back Grace Neville has been named in the New Zealand squad for three matches later this month.
[Podcast] The Naked Football Show - Listen Again
This week's Naked Football Show is now available online.
Town and Birmingham Fined By FA
Town have been fined £24,000 and given a warning by an independent FA Regulatory Commission for the mass confrontation following the Blues’ late penalty at Birmingham City, who have been fined £100,000, on the opening day of the season.
Szmodics Out of Ireland Squad
Blues forward Sammie Szmodics has pulled out of the Republic of Ireland squad for their World Cup qualifiers against Portugal and Armenia due to injury, the FAI has announced.
Slicker Barnet's Player of the Month
On-loan Town keeper Cieran Slicker has been named the Barnet Supporters’ Association Player of the Month for September.
[Podcast] Blue Monday - New Podcast Now Online
A new podcast from the Blue Monday team is now available.
Town Announce First Fans' Forum of Season
Town have announced that the first Fans’ Forum of the season will take place in the Sir Bobby Robson Suite on Tuesday 18th November, 7pm-8pm.
Keeper Barrett Stars On Debut For Loan Club
Town U21s keeper George Barrett starred on his debut for loan club Canvey Island in a 2-0 FA Trophy win at Whitehawk on Saturday.
Woolfenden: A Politics Behind Town Team Selections
Former Blues central defender Luke Woolfenden has cited “a politics” behind his lack of opportunities at Town which led to his £4 million move to Coventry City in August.