Youths Face Saints - Ipswich Town News
Town's U18s will take on Southampton in next week's two-legged FA Youth Cup final. The Saints defeated Wolves 5-4 on penalties in their semi after drawing 3-3 over the two matches.
The first leg of Town's first Youth Cup final in 30 years is at St Mary's on Monday with a 7.45pm kick-off. Portman Road hosts the decider on the following Friday, also with a 7.45pm kick-off. Sky are showing both matches live.
Capturing the trophy won in 1973 and 1975 won't be an easy matter against strong opponents. Southampton have defeated the Town youngsters twice in the FA Premier Academy League this season. Back in October a Craig Richards goal gave the Saints a 1-0 win at Playford Road
At Southampton in March, Nathan Dyer and Tim Sparv scored twice as the home side came from behind to defeat the Blues again, midfielder Fraser Beveridge having netted early on for Town.
Southampton comfortably won their Academy group, the Blues finishing fifth. However, with Town's senior squad small, many U18 players have become regulars in the reserves and as a consequence have not always been involved in Academy matches.
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