Blues U18s manager Adem Atay says it’s fantastic for everyone associated with his team and the academy to have reached the quarter-finals of the FA Youth Cup via Saturday’s 1-0 victory away against Middlesbrough.

Central defender Albie Armin netted the winning goal in the 84th minute to set up a home quarter-final tie against either Sheffield United or Bristol City, who meet next Saturday. That tie has to be played before Saturday 1st May.

"The result and performance were both brilliant," Atay told the club site. “We had the best players on the pitch and we played with identity and intensity. We played through the lines and did well in the first half, but didn't manage to get a goal in the first 45 minutes.

"They responded well but we dug deep and showed different qualities in the second half. The best way to describe it is that the lads have done the club proud. They were so professional and I'm so pleased for them.

"Defensively we looked solid and it was a very good team performance. In a way it had everything because we looked dangerous going forward but we also limited their opportunities. The lads worked hard and got what they deserved.

"The songs and chants were going on the bus back to Ipswich - it was great to see. It's so important that the lads enjoy these wins and these moments without getting too carried away, and that's exactly what this group can do.

"It's fantastic for everyone associated with the team and academy to be in the quarter-finals as well. I know the game will be behind closed doors, but families and friends will all be cheering the lads on from home.

“Hopefully we can give them another performance to be proud of, because as I said, the lads should be very proud of what they achieved yesterday.”

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

Photo: TWTD

mojo added 21:07 - Apr 11 Great stuff lads. Putting the first team to shame
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BlueArrow added 21:15 - Apr 11 Well done lads sham we couldn't watch it. Great result.
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Skip73 added 22:04 - Apr 11 At least there's a few players at the club with a bit of fight and spirit. They'd probably give the first team a run for their money.
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Edmundo added 22:20 - Apr 11 Would be interested to find out from any stattos out there how many Town youth sides have made the quarters and semis in the past?
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DifferentGravy added 22:20 - Apr 11 Yahoo! Only just seen result. That is a fantastic achievement, keep it going lads!
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itsonlyme added 22:21 - Apr 11 Brilliant stuff lads. Congratulations to you all.
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trncbluearmy added 23:08 - Apr 11 Best team at Portman Road, well done and keep it going, from games seen spirited bunch of lads playing cracking football
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Steve_ITFC_Sweden added 05:26 - Apr 12 Damn right it's fantastic!
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Upthetown1970 added 06:33 - Apr 12 Fantastic achievement well done to the whole squad. Ipswich Town in a 1/4 final of a tournament. Amazing stuff!!. Please Ipswich stream the 1/4 final so we can all cheer the lads on.
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jonwillpott added 06:49 - Apr 12 Yes, I agree with @Upthetown1970....we must have a stream somewhere for the quarter final....onwards and upwards the pride of ITFC!!
2

Razor added 10:41 - Apr 12 Great stuff lads now just believe and you can go all the way----makes up a little for the girls surprise exit last week.
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