Town play Stotfold in the Beds FA Senior Cup tomorrow
Development squad boss Andy Awford is expecting a physical battle when his side take on Stotfold tomorrow in the Bedfordshire FA Senior Cup at Roker Park.
The Hatters reached the quarter finals of the competition after knocking out Barton Rovers at Sharpenhoe Road, winning 3-0.
Awford said like the Barton match, Stotfold will provide a stern test for his young side, as they look to progress to the semi-final stage.
He said: “We did well in the last round, it’ll be a great experience for our young players again to go up against men.
“We are now in a quarter final, we want to enjoy the game, but we also want to make sure we get through to the semis.
“We know for a fact that Stotfold will have stronger and bigger players than us. It’s men versus 17 or 18 year old boys. Our lads have to find a way to cope with the physical advantage the other team will have.”
The academy boss thinks it will be an excellent opportunity for his players to learn from, as they will be presented with a different challenge to what they are used to as they take on the Spartan South Midlands League side.
Awford: “They play against their own age groups every day, so for them to go up against Stotfold will present a completely different, physical challenge.
“We work on the physical side a lot and that’s something we need to work on, on the night. They’re going to play against men when they step into the first team environment one day hopefully, so they need to make the most of opportunities like these.
“But this opportunity provides the players with the chance to enjoy knockout football, which is an important competition to themselves and the football club. We will challenge the boys to rise to the occasion.”
Tomorrow’s match will kick-off at 7:45pm.
Tickets are priced at £6 for adults and £3 for concessions.
The address for the Eagles’ home ground is: Roker Park, The Green, Stotfold, SG5 4AN
TOWN SQUAD:
Liam Gooch
Tiernan Parker
Jack James
Harry Bean
Frankie Musonda
Kitan Sorunke
Joe Mead
Tyreeq Bakinson
Kavan Cotter
Arthur Read
Jack Snelus
Geo Craig
Freddie Hinds
Michael Shamalo
Zane Banton