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:

Grant Talks With Huddersfield Ongoing
Talks between Blues first-team coach Lee Grant and Huddersfield Town regarding their management vacancy are ongoing, TWTD understands.
Norwich Target Long-Serving Town Academy Coach Klug
Long-serving Blues academy coach, former assistant boss and three-time caretaker-manager Bryan Klug is being targeted by Norwich City, TWTD understands.
Town XI to Face Lowestoft in Pre-Season
A Town XI will play a pre-season friendly against Lowestoft Town at Crown Meadow on Saturday 5th July (KO 3pm).
Chelsea Strong Favourites to Sign Delap
Chelsea are now the strong favourites to sign Blues striker Liam Delap, TWTD understands.
Chaplin: The Club is in a Much Better Place Than it Was a Year Ago
Town will return to the Championship in a much better place than they left it a year ago, according to forward Conor Chaplin.
Phillips: McKenna Made Me Believe in Myself Again
On-loan Blues midfielder Kalvin Phillips, whose spell at Portman Road is up now the season is at an end, has said his goodbyes and says Town manager Kieran McKenna made him believe in himself again.
Luongo: Together We Have Created Incredible Memories
Exiting Town midfielder Massimo Luongo has thanked everyone at Portman Road having created “incredible” memories together during his time at the club.
Town Bookies' Early Favourites For Championship Title
Town are the bookies’ early favourites to win the 2025/26 Championship title.
Town Coach Grant Linked With Terriers Job
Blues first-team coach Lee Grant is reportedly among the options to take over as manager at League One Huddersfield Town.
Enciso: Thanks For Supporting Me and For the Love
Departing loanee Julio Enciso has said his farewells and thanked everyone at Portman Road following his half-season spell at the club.