Sixfields to host Cobblers U18s in FA Youth Cup tie
Cobblers Under-18s head coach Shane Goddard wants his players to treat tonight’s FA Youth Cup tie ‘like any other game’ as they host Grimsby in the first round at Sixfields.
The tie kicks off at 7pm and tickets are available from the ticket office or ntfcdirect.co.uk. They can also be purchased on arrival. The Jackson Grundy West Stand will be open for this fixture.
Goddard said: “We move onto Grimsby now and it's important that whilst this competition is important for the players, we try to treat it like any other game.
“Grimsby themselves will be a tough test, they are a strong academy and Callum and Neil always produce competitive sides. They will be uncompromising with how they approach the game and it's a test I thoroughly look forward to us facing.
“I’m confident it will bring the best out of our group who are excited to play at Sixfields and have shown that they like to play on big games. For us, I'm looking for us to be strong with our principles, and for the players to show the competitive streak and togetherness they have.”
Parking will be free in the Jackson Grundy West Stand Car Park on a first come, first served basis, please note some spaces will be reserved for boardroom guests and supporters who require a disabled parking space.
Supporters who require a disabled parking space should contact the ticket office, [email protected].
The turnstiles will open from 5:30pm with supporters welcome to enter the stadium from that time onwards.
At the weekend, Cobblers Under-18s were beaten 2-0 by Portsmouth in the EFL Youth Alliance League.
“Saturday was a big learning day for us,” said Goddard. “We knew Pompey were a strong side and would pose a threat to our unbeaten start, and unfortunately for us we couldn't match the energy and performance levels that we have in previous weeks.
“We aren't happy with the outcome of the game and didn't show what we know we are capable of. Credit to Pompey they came with a game plan and an approach that made life difficult for us and despite some good moments in the attacking third in the first half we weren't able to pose a big enough threat to them.
“As disappointed as the group are with the loss it's important that we reflect on the whole start to the season and to get 10 league games in before our first defeat is exceptional form the group. We've beat some good sides along the way and showed that we are more than a competitive side.
“The challenge for the group now is purely how they learn and respond and importantly how we grow moving forwards.
“If we can repeat the form we've showed in the first third of the season as we move in towards Christmas then we will be well placed in the second half of the season.
"It's tight at the top of the table now and each league game is important moving forwards.”