Scunthorpe United’s under-18s head to Aldershot tonight, as they aim to upset the odds and defeat Chelsea’s youth team to reach the FA Youth Cup fourth round.
Andy Dawson’s side have the intangible challenge of trying to beat a side that have lost just once in 14 outings so far this season.
Former Chelsea player Jody Morris is the current coach of the Blues youth set up, and despite the gulf in class, is insistent that his players must show the Iron the upmost respect if they are to progress with relative ease.
“The bigger games in the later stages get a lot of the coverage but we’ve had some really pleasing performances over the years that have come in the early rounds where we’ve played some excellent football against physical sides in tough conditions.
“If we perform at our best then we should go through but we all know that in knockout competitions, if people take their foot off the gas or don’t prepare in the right way, you can get found out.
“There have been upsets in the competition already this season but we hope our players show the right attitude because that mentality has been a big factor in our success in this competition in recent years.”
Dawson claims he will make sure his side don’t roll over for their coutnerparts, and aims to cause one of the biggest upsets in the FA Youth Cup in recent years.
“Their record in this cup speaks for itself,” Dawson told the clubs iFollow account.
“They’ve won it on numerous occasions over the last few years and they’ve got the best players in the world at this level.
“For me, that’s a great opportunity for our lads to say “never mind them, look at us”. They’ve worked hard to get to this stage and it’s up to them to not fear it, meet it head on.
“There’s no hiding the fact they’ve got the best young players in the world. I’d say in England, but they’re not, they’re the best in the world.
“That’s proven by a number of them winning the U17 World Cup. As a young footballer you want to challenge yourself against the best.” he concluded.
The fixture takes place this evening (Friday) at Aldershot Town, kick-off 7.05pm. Supporters can purchase tickets on the door priced at £3 for adults and £1 for concessions.
Those tuning in from home will be able to take advantage of free-to-air live coverage on Chelsea TV.
Good luck to our lads – show no fear. #UTI
Any Old Iron 