Academy Under-18 boss Pete Haynes has urged his young team to adopt the right mindset when they face Welling United Under-18s in the Second Round of the FA Youth Cup at the LCI Rail Stadium on Thursday night (kick-off 7.30pm).
The young Robins impressed in cup competitions this season already making the semi-finals of the EFL Youth Alliance Cup.
Striker George Lloyd grabbed eight goals as the team opened up the FA Youth Cup campaign with a convincing 9-0 win over AFC Totton in Round One.
The Under-18s now face Welling United on home soil this Thursday night and Haynes is hoping a good crowd will come in to support the next generation.
“We’re very excited about the game,” said Haynes, Lead Professional Development Phase Coach with the Academy.
“The boys have done really well in the cup competitions this season and this week they have come in ready for work and eager to prepare. There is a real buzz about the group.
“It’s a great opportunity for the players to play at the LCI Rail Stadium and hopefully we will get some fans in for the game to really back the team.
“The fans have always been very supportive of the Academy set-up and we are hopeful that will continue that on Thursday night with a good crowd.
“We know a lot of the Academy players have family coming along so it will be a really good experience.
“We have done well in the cups and we want that to continue. We have players who are hopefully future first teamers who will want to impress.”
Haynes is also eager to point out the threat that Welling will pose on the night.
“They have come through the qualifying rounds to get here and we will give them the respect they fully deserve,” he added.
“They have beaten Dover, who have a good youth set-up, and we’ve seen some clips and videos of them.
“It will be a very tough and physical game so it will be a test for us.
“The previous round is gone and, to be fair to the players, they know that and are taking it game to game.
“The AFC Totton win is history now and we must build on it. We had a good performance that night and we are eager for a repeat. To do that we must adopt the right mindset come Thursday night.”
Supporters are now encouraged to come along and support the future Robins this Thursday night. Ticket prices for the game are ÂŁ5 for adults and ÂŁ2 for juniors and students.