City's U18s side return to PDL action on Saturday with a trip to face Fleetwood Town.
The fixture will take place on August 30th at Poolfoot Farm, kicking off at 11am.
PRE-MATCH | TOM HUTTON
Ahead of this weekend’s game, we caught up with U18 manager Tom Hutton.
“It was a good performance against Wrexham," Tom began. "We went one goal down to a great free kick, and then we lost a man in the second half, but to come out of it with a point is really good.
"Even in difficult circumstances on a tough pitch, the boys showed that real belief and showed that they could win the game. We come away a little disappointed not to win. The boys took on the tactical information really well when we changed shape and I’m really proud of their efforts and their work ethic to keep going until the end.
“Three games in a week is a challenge. We’ve done a lot of travelling, and this weekend will be our second overnight stay. Part of that is the boys learning to recover and prepare properly.
"We always try and frame this as a challenge that aligns with what they will have in the First Team where games do come thick and fast. It’s a challenge they haven’t really faced, and it’s our job as staff to help them through that and teach them the importance of recovery.
“We try and perform as well as we can in every game, and Saturday will be no different. We will have a plan heading into the game against Fleetwood, but that plan will centre around our performance and how closely we can play to our plan.
"There's always confidence that, if we stick to the plan, we can get positive results. After the game, some of the boys will get a break, but a large majority of our squad will be jetting off to different places for international duty, which is something we’re very proud of.”
PRE-MATCH | TOM PRICKETT
After scoring the all-important equaliser against Wrexham in midweek, we spoke to Tom Prickett.
“So far, the season has been enjoyable," Tom told us. "We’ve started off strong. As a team, we've been training really well and it has been positive.
“It’s always a nice feeling to come off the bench and make an impact. It's always nice to be able to show what I can do and take my chance.
“I found the transition to U18 football quite smooth. Training is fun and the education and everything around us is really good too. The older boys in the squad have been great to us scholars and it really feels like we’re a real team. They’re always ready to give advice on how we can improve and do better.
“Fleetwood will be quite a physical side and it will be a tough game. If we are able to play football the way that we want to play, then we should be able to get a positive result. Off the back of a good personal performance, you want to be able to deliver again. I want to get back into training and prove myself.
RECENT RESULTS
After picking up back-to-back league wins against Hull City and Barnsley, the Bluebirds started their PDL Cup campaign with a 1-1 draw away against Wrexham.
The North Wales side broke the deadlock from a direct free-kick, before City went down to ten. However, Tom Hutton’s side recovered well and managed to earn a point thanks to a Tom Prickett strike.
The result leaves City second in Group B. They sit two points behind Swindon Town, who they will play in their next group stage game next month.
TICKET INFORMATION
Entry for the match at Poolfoot Farm will be free for all supporters.
REACHING THE GROUND
Supporters planning on attending should use the following address:
Poolfoot Farm, Butts Road, Thornton-Cleveleys, FY5 4HX.
The ground is located a 41-minute walk away from Thornton Gate station.