U18s Host Exeter in FA Youth Cup
Friday, 15th Nov 2019 11:08

Town’s U18s are in second-round FA Youth Cup tie action against Exeter City at Portman Road on Saturday afternoon (KO 2pm).

The Blues youngsters, who are coached by Adem Atay, defeated King’s Lynn Town 6-1 in the first round last week to set up the meeting with the Grecians.

Exeter beat local rivals Plymouth Argyle 1-0 at Home Park in their round one match late last month.

Atay says the academy has been boosted by so many youngsters having been involved in Tuesday's Leasing.com Trophy defeat at Colchester with first-year scholar Liam Gibbs and schoolboy Tawanda Chirewa, both 16, handed their senior debuts from the bench.

“We are all looking forward to Saturday’s game," he told the club site. “We obviously want to go as far as we can in the competition but the ultimate goal for our academy is to see players develop here and eventually reach the first team. And not just reach the first team but stay there.

“For everyone involved in the academy, it was rewarding to see so many young players given their chance by the manager during the week.

“The challenge for the boys now - like all our young players here - is to maintain their development and in time to become players who consistently compete at first-team level.”

Admission is £3 for adults and £1 for concessions with only the East of England Co-op Stand open.

The winner of Saturday’s match will face Cardiff City away in the third round. That tie must be played prior to Saturday 14th December.

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.

Photo: Action Images

Please report offensive, libellous or inappropriate posts by using the links provided.