The Academy Blues kickstart their 2022/23 FA Youth Cup campaign as they welcome Holbeach United Academy to Grange Park in the Preliminary Round.
Long Eaton United U18s enter the competition aiming to better their run of reaching the first round proper last season.
In the 2021/22 season, Long Eaton began in the Preliminary Round with a home draw against Kirby Muxloe U18s where they battled and overcame the visitors by three goals to nil.
A First Round Qualifying match away to Harborough Town U18s was to come, and that match ended in a unanimous 5-1 victory for the Academy Blues.
Grantham Town U18s were next to face Long Eaton in the Second Round Qualifying at the South Kesteven Sports Stadium - three goals and a clean sheet helped the Blues progress into the next round.
The Third Round Qualifying draw had the Academy Blues welcoming North Buckinghamshire-based side Buckingham Athletic U18s, however, the visitors had to make a defeated journey back as the game initially finished 1-1 but Long Eaton were able to clutch up and win 5-3 on penalties.
Long Eaton United U18s - soaring with momentum - had to welcome fellow National League U19 Alliance side Rugby Town to Grange Park in the First Round Proper.
Although, a heartbreaking 2-0 defeat on home soil meant the Academy Blues had to bow out of the competition after a superb run - completely outshining their run in the season prior.
Our Opponents -
Holbeach United Academy on the other hand enter the FA Youth Cup for the first time in the history of the competition.
Established in late 2021, The Pack have made huge preparations ahead of their first season as a team and as an academy club - this will in fact be our visitor's first competitive fixture since their launch,
Therefore, a heavily battled and exciting game is to come on the magnificent stadium pitch at Grange Park, the home of Long Eaton United Football Club.
Curtis' Quotes -
Looking ahead to what is going to be a tough but thrilling match, Academy Manager Curtis Burrows said: “We are all massively looking forward to the FA Youth Cup, the staff and myself have been busy drafting the team over the past few weeks ready for the first match.
“It is really exciting, especially on the back of last year’s cup run, you can see the buzz that it creates around the football club and hopefully, we can go one better this time and make it to the Second Round Proper.”
Matchday Information -
Long Eaton United U18s vs Holbeach United U18s
FA Youth Cup Preliminary Round
Thursday 1st September - 7:30 pm Kick-Off
Long Eaton United Football Club
Grange Park
Station Road
Long Eaton
Derbyshire
NG10 2EF
Adults: £5
Concessions: £3
A mini matchday programme will also be purchasable from the turnstiles upon entry into Grange Park.
Card payments are the preferred payment method for entry into Grange Park, as well as for items purchased from the bar and kitchen - although, cash payments are still accepted.
If, unfortunately, you cannot make the match, live updates can be found here @LongEatonUtd (Long Eaton United FC Academy's Official Twitter Page).