Dereham Town all set for their massive night in the FA Youth Cup against Peterborough United
Dereham Town Under-18's. Picture: Ian Burt - Credit: Ian Burt
Dereham Town will be looking to cause a huge upset this evening when they lock horns with Peterborough United.
The young Magpies' reward for dumping non-league Haverhill Rovers, Wroxham and Stowmarket Town out of the under-18s competition is a glamour clash against the League One club's teenagers. And first team boss Matt Henman can't wait for the youngsters' big night when they host Posh in the first round of the FA Youth Cup at Aldiss Park.
Henman, who will be managing the side along with Dereham Education Soccer Academy (DESA) coaches Lee Perry and Tom Parke, said: 'I think the first round is the benchmark of where you want to get, it's the same for non-league clubs in the FA Cup.
'We managed to get to it (Youth Cup) a few years back (2011) and we were unlucky not to beat Leyton Orient. The first round gives you a chance to play a professional side and it's nice that we'll be able to do that.
'It can give players a lot of confidence but our lads won't fear it. A lot of lads within our (DESA) Academy have been released by pro clubs and they probably feel they've got a bit of a point to prove against lads who are still involved in a pro set up.
'Of course there'll be a little bit of excitement so our jobs is to make sure the lads play the match rather than the occasion.'
The winners of the clash, which can go to extra-time and penalties, will travel to either Mansfield Town or Cambridge City in the next round.
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George Green (thigh) is sidelined but James Cooper, Seb Bialasik, Matt Cook, Robbie Linford and Ryan Fuller – who have already been involved with the club's senior side at Dereham – are expected to be involved as the Magpies aim to flourish like Andy Wilton, Ryan Hawkins and company did against Orient.
The Magpies' FA Youth Cup clash kicks off at 7.45pm. Entry costs adults £4, concessions £2 and under-14s £1.
