U18 FAYC PREVIEW: AFC Wimbledon v Burnley

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Young Clarets head to the capital for FA Youth Cup clash

2021-03-17T13:54:24.909Z

U18 FAYC PREVIEW: AFC Wimbledon v Burnley

Young Clarets head to the capital for FA Youth Cup clash

2021-03-17T13:54:24.909Z

Young Clarets head to the capital for FA Youth Cup clash

The youth team head to AFC Wimbeldon on Thursday evening, as the Clarets look to kick-off their FA Youth Cup campaign at Plough Lane.

Tony Philliskirk's side head into the tie on the back of two consecutive league wins, following a convincing 4-0 win over Sunderland and a 3-0 victory at Leeds United last weekend.

It's been a positive return from injury for In-form striker Michael Mellon, who has scored five of the seven last goals for the youth team - plus one assist - after a lenghty spell out on the sidelines.

Elsewhere, Philliskirk's youngsters will once again be missing a few familiar faces, through injury.

And the U18 boss knows his side are in for a tough test against a Wimbledon side who have beat Oxford United and AFC Sudbury on their path to the third-round.

U18 FAYC PREVIEW: AFC Wimbledon v Burnley - Image 1

Philliskirk, whose side eventually lost in the quarter-final to eventual winners Manchester City last season, said: "You just have to look at the FA Cup at first-team level, as there are shocks every single season.

"There is pressure on us, being the Category One Premier League side and expected by many to go and win.

"But it's not as simple as that and we all know that.

"We have to prepare right, which we have been doing and the lads are all ready for the game.

"It will be a tricky tie against a good side. I have spoken to a lot of coaches and members of staff from down south, who all had good things to say about them."

The youth team boss added: "We will be finalising a few things and set-plays on Wednesday, just to get the boys in the right frame of mind and get ready mentally for it.

"There's a few lads missing through injury, who would certainly be around the starting line-up, but like we've seen all this season, it opens the door for other and younger lads to step-up and take the opportunity.