After a 1-0 victory over Walsall in the first round, the U18s are back in action at Alfreton as they face Shrewsbury Town this evening in the second round of the FA Youth Cup.
The young Spireites will be confident of extending their unbeaten run to ten games, having suffered their last loss in a league fixture against the Shrews back in early September.
Academy manager Neil Cluxton previewed the tie, saying: “I know the boys are looking forward to it. As a club we’re also really looking forward to it.
“We’ve had a good week of training so hopefully Haydn (Hollis) and the rest of the staff will have a full squad to choose from.
“We know it’s going to be a tough game. Shrewsbury have already beaten us this season in a narrow win in the league, but they are a very strong team. They’ve got some good players; they’re very physical and quick.
“The lads are up for the fight though, they’re on a really good run at the minute.
“We haven’t lost since the Shrewsbury game so the boys are going into it very confidently and I’m sure they’ll represent themselves and the club very well and give it all they can.”
Marcus McKernan, who has played an integral part of the U18s’ unbeaten run, spoke about the special feeling of playing in the FA Youth Cup: “Winning in the last round was an unreal feeling. We nearly scored in the last minute of normal time so to win it in extra time was quality – it took my breath away.
“We all know it’s a big occasion, we’re all up for it, but you’ve just got to put it to the back of your mind and play like it’s any other fixture.
“They’ll be a good side, we lost to them earlier in the season in a narrow 2-1 defeat, but we’re feeling confident about the game.
“If we stick to our game plan and play how we’ve been playing then we’ll get a result, but we’ve just got to maintain focus.”
For fans wanting to attend, the fixture kicks off at 7pm at Alfreton Town’s Impact Arena Stadium.
Prices
Adults – £3
U18s – £1
If you can’t make it to Alfreton, there is free, live coverage of the game on 1866 Sport, beginning at 6:50pm.
