Blundell Park played host to an unforgettable night under the lights a week ago today, as our Young Mariners emerged victorious over Premier League outfit West Ham United in the third round of the FA Youth Cup.

Grayson Giles scored the only goal of the game and produced the decisive moment that sent Neil Woods’ side into the hat for the fourth round, matching last season’s achievement in the competition.

A week on from that special night at BP, goalscorer Giles spoke to use about what those nights mean, his development as a player and his ambitions for the future.

“Nights like that are so special,” said Grayson when reflecting on last Friday night’s game. “For any young player, they’re the nights you dream of. Scoring at Blundell Park and to be part of such a big game and to contribute with a goal, it makes it even more special.

“Scoring at Blundell Park is something I’ll never forget; hearing the crowd and celebrating with the team it was a special moment, and it gave me a glimpse of what it might be like to play on the turf regularly one day and hopefully there’s more to come.

Our Young Mariners were up against the Hammers, a Premier League side who won the competition last year and despite the positive result, they knew it was going to be a physically tough game against a different calibre of team they’re used to facing.

“Facing a bigger team in a knock-out competition, we focus more on analysis of the opposition, but going into any game, whether that’s a league game or a cup game, our preparations are similar, and we focus on many of the same things, so as players we don’t have to change much.”

The draw for the fourth round is yet to be made, but some of the sides that the Mariners could draw, include Arsenal, Manchester United or Manchester City. The Young Mariners bowed out at the fourth round to Millwall last season and are hungry to progress further this time round.

“It’s football at the end of the day, so you’d like to think any team is beatable. I like to test myself against the best teams to get one of the biggest teams would be the best for the challenge.

“I’m enjoying my football a lot at the minute. Coming on as a substitute a lot in the competition last year, my target was just to be able to make an impact off the bench and I did that towards the end of our time in the competition and it earned me a start against Millwall in the fourth round.

Grayson has started all games in every competition this season, with his goal on Friday night seeing him hit double figures across all competitions and half-way to the goal tally he achieved during the 2023/24 campaign.

“Towards the end of last season, I made my way back into the team getting regular starts this season has been great and I feel like it’s helping me improve massively as a player.

“I’d say I’m more of a physical player and ultimately, I like to cause as many problems for defenders as possible.

“I like to make little darting runs in and around the box and if I’m scoring a goal, you’ll most likely find me inside the 18-yard box from a variety of angles with either my left or right foot.

“Stats are always important as a goalscorer and I’ve set myself a target that’s higher than the 20 I scored last season. It’s about progressing each year and pushing yourself to make those targets and hit them.”

“Stats are important, but one of my other targets for the season would be to develop myself as more of an all-round player which is important at my age to be able to develop that side of my game.”

Giles was one of a handful of Youth Team players involved during pre-season with the First Team and appeared in our first pre-season friendly against Grimsby Borough.

“Being in and amongst the First Team is crucial for our development and even training with them, you learn lots from the senior players.

“It gives me a glimpse of what it’s like to play full-time professional football at that level and it makes me more determined to reach that goal.

“Seeing Callum Storr and Henry Brown get their First Team debuts this season, it shows you it’s possible and there’s a route through the Academy and they’re perfect examples that if you put the work in, you can reach the First Team.

“I would like to try and reach the highest level possible, but I also like to take it game by game and score as many goals as possible at whatever level I play at and see where it takes me.”

Callum Gardner and Evan Khouri are other examples of former Youth Team players who have made the transition to the First Team.

“There’s definitely a visible pathway there from the Academy to the First Team. Things get put in place, to make that bridge between the two teams much easier.

“We get filtered into training and have extra sessions from First Team coaches, for example Ben Davies on a Monday.

“Training with the First Team players, we can pick up things from them throughout the season which gives us more opportunities and chances to try and get into the First Team.

UTM