Lincoln City Under 18 side are facing South Shields this evening with a potential tie against West Brom awaiting the winner.
They’re in the second round of the FA Youth Cup, having already defeated Shrewsbury Under 18s in the first round. That has set up a tie with the Mariners, with a big prize at stake.
The Imps young guns are becoming a good outfit in their own right, going well in the FA Youth Alliance this season, but it is the magic of the FA Cup in which they’re targeting success. With a couple of the young players on the cusp of the first team, all eyes will be on Sincil Bank tonight to see if an emerging players takes the next step in his development.
One player who has caught the eye in recent weeks is Jordan Adebayo-Smith, the summer signing who had previously had trials with Watford and Cambridge. He’s been involved with the first team, training with them on occasion, after scoring against Derby Under 23s in pre-season.
He’s been on fire for the Under 18 side too, scoring in the last match against Hartlepool in which we triumphed 2-0. He also bagged the crucial second goal against Shrewsbury, earning the Imps a 2-0 lead and eventually a 2-1 win. He also bagged a brace in a 4-3 win at Doncaster Rovers recently and looks a dead-cert to be the next to emerge from the youth set up.
Elliott Sartorious is another who has been with the first team on occasion and he’s one whom we’ll be hearing more about in the coming weeks. He scored a cracker against Hartlepool, seizing on a mistake in defence but beating three defenders before completing the 2-0 win. he has an eye for a stunner too, his strike against Premier League Huddersfield earlier in the month has been nominated for goal of the month.
Manager Tom Shaw, previewing the game on the Under 18s website, said of tonight’s match: ““All I was hoping for was a home draw because all of the scholars and boys who have played for us have been giving it 100% since the 1st July.”
“I have made it tough for them at times and they have given everything they can in training and matches. We have been pretty successful and I just wanted the home tie for the players to showcase themselves in front of their own fans and also as a bit of a reward for their efforts.”
South Shields manager Lee Picton is under no illusions as to the size of the task for his side. They beat Macclesfield 6-2 in the first round, but coming to Sincil Bank will be a big step up for his lads.
He said: “Obviously we are fully respectful of Lincoln City, they’ll no doubt have a very strong side. A betting man would say it’s the toughest test we’ve faced so far in the competition.”
“It’s great to get that level of a challenge for the players and regardless of the result in that second round tie, it will be great experience for everyone concerned.”
The game kicks off tonight at 7.30pm, with pay on the gate available. Bars will be open too, so if you’ve a carving for football and fear going eleven days without a game will be a struggle, get yourself down to support the lads.
Targeting has one ‘t’.
Thanks Graeme.