Oxford United’s under 18s welcome Horndean in the second round of the FA Youth Cup on Thursday evening (7.30pm)
The game at Court Place Farm is a chance for the U’s to further impress after a highly entertaining win over Torquay in the last round.
“I thought the boys started well and got themselves up for that game” Coach Pablo Haysham tells iFollow in a special Preview Show. “The message for the second half was to be professional, to try not to concede. I know we did, but we asked them to manage the game and win it, and they did that.
“We don’t know loads about Horndean. We’ve watched them a couple of times and know that they’re going to be a good side. They won 4-0 in the last round and were with ten men for a long time. They have good players and it’ll be a good challenge.
“It’s a good opportunity for them and they’ll be coming to cause an upset. I think it’s the furthest they’ve been in their history so they’ll be really up for it and the boys will have to match that.
“Having watched them we’ve been impressed with what they’ve got. It will be a case of being professional, similar to the Torquay game, trying to break them down and ultimately win the game which is what the FA Youth Cup is all about.
“The last round it was brilliant to see all the first team players come along after training at the ground to watch the boys. They take a lot from that, that there’s people at the club supporting them and that gives them confidence and motivation.
“They’re great lads, they work hard and they want to do well and represent the club well and by all means the more people there tomorrow the better.”
Come along and enjoy some live football. Kick off is at 7.30 and there is always a warm welcome at Court Place Farm.