Our Young Mariners are in FA Youth Cup action on Friday as they travel to the Onecall Stadium to face Mansfield Town in the first round.

Last year saw Neil Woods’ side achieved the best finish in the competition for 13 years, making it to the fourth round where they bowed out to Millwall.

An impressive run to stage four of the competition saw Town beat Shrewsbury Town 3-0 in the first round, before travelling to face South Shields in the second, where now First Team forward Cameron Gardner netted a hat-trick.

It was an unforgettable night in the fourth round, where the young Mariners took to the Blundell Park turf and Henry Brown’s extra-time winner saw the hosts fight off Premier League opponents Nottingham Forest.

Speaking to Lead Professional Development Phase Coach Callum Lester on the competition, he said “The FA Youth Cup is the highlight in the calendar for the scholars.
“It’s an opportunity to play in first team stadiums and pick your wits against opposition you don’t always get the opportunity to play. They are always great occasions which give the players memories for life.”

On facing Mansfield in the first round, Lester added, “Mansfield away is a really tough draw. They’re a competitive side who we came up against on three occasions last season in well-balanced games.

“As a team, we will make sure we’re ready to compete and put everything into to win the game and progress in the competition.

Tickets are available from Mansfield’s website and can be purchased by clicking here. Tickets for away supporters will not be made available on the gate.

UTM