Cook Delighted For U18s After Youth Cup Win - Ipswich Town News
Boss Paul Cook was delighted that Town’s U18s secured a place in the quarter-finals of the FA Youth Cup via a 1-0 fifth round victory over Middlesbrough on Saturday, their second win against a category one academy in the competition this season having beaten Fulham at home in round three.
Central defender Albie Armin netted the game’s only goal in the 84th minute at Bishop Auckland's Heritage Park to see the young Blues through.
They will play either Sheffield United or Bristol City, who meet next Saturday, at home in their quarter-final. That tie has to be played before Saturday 1st May.
"I’m delighted, massive congratulations to Adz [U18s manager Adem Atay] and the team,” Cook said.
"Historically, I think every U18s manager has to live with the fact that we won the Youth Cup a long time ago [in 1973, 1975 and 2005]. And that’s something they carry.
"Each year brings a new group of players, a new group of lads together in the hope to [do well in the competition].
"They’re representing the team and the town so well at the minute. They have everyone’s support and hopefully the game can be played where - whether there are fans in or not I don’t know - but we can give them even more support because they’re doing fantastic and I’m absolutely delighted for them.”
What to read next:
McKenna: A Tough Game, an Increase in ChallengeManager Kieran McKenna felt today’s 3-0 victory away against French Ligue 1 side Auxerre was a tough game and an increase in challenge in the final fixture of pre-season and has been pleased with the way preparations for the campaign ahead have gone over the last few weeks.
McKenna: Townsend and Philogene Injuries Don't Look GreatBlues boss Kieran McKenna says the injuries suffered by Conor Townsend and Jaden Philogene don’t look great, while Leif Davis missed out due to a knock and Harry Clarke could be facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines, but keeper Aro Muric is making good progress.
McKenna Tight-Lipped on Hackney and CajusteTown boss Kieran McKenna remained tight-lipped when quizzed on the Blues’ approach for last season’s loanee Jens Cajuste and also Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney’s decision to remain with the Teessiders.
AJ Auxerre 0-3 Ipswich Town - Match ReportGoals from George Hirst, Jacob Greaves and Ali Al-Hamadi saw Town to a 3-0 victory over French Ligue 1 side Auxerre in their final pre-season friendly at the Stade de l’Abbé-Deschamps. Hirst put the Blues in front on 38 and Greaves added the second with a header from a free-kick in first-half injury time, before Al-Hamadi added the third with five minutes remaining of the match.
AJ Auxerre 0-2 Ipswich Town - Half-TimeGoals from George Hirst and Jacob Greaves have given Town a 2-0 half-time lead against French Ligue 1 side Auxerre in their final pre-season friendly at the Stade de l’Abbé-Deschamps.