Cup giant-killers Chester-le-Street Town Juniors have produced some memorable victories against the odds this season - and now they have West Ham United in their sights.
In reaching the last 32 of the FA Youth Cup they've already knocked out the juniors teams of three Football League clubs - including North-East neighbours Hartlepool - and on Monday travel to London to face the Hammers with another upset on the agenda.
Chester-le-Street's last Cup tie saw them overcome Derby County at the Rams' 34,000 all-seater Pride Park stadium and the Tyneside Junior League side are hoping for a repeat performance on Monday when they take to the field at Upton Park.
Previous rounds have seen them beat Port Vale, Pool, Bradford Park Avenue, Burscough and Morecambe while they are now one of just three non-league sides remaining in the prestigous competition and part of the North-East trio still in the Youth Cup, the others Newcastle and Middlesbrough who meet in the next round.
Managed by Andrew Muxworthy, this only the third year the Cestrians have entered what is regarded as England's premier youth cup, the same competition Boro reached the final of last year. Muxworthy said: "A betting man would bet against us, but the players have had a taste of success and they want more. They fear nobody so we'll be in with a chance."
If Chester-le-Street beat West Ham they will be at home in the fifth round to Nottingham Forest next month.
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