DARLINGTON supporters have an opportunity to see the club’s emerging talent when the youth team plays at The Northern Echo Arena tomorrow.
Craig Liddle’s Under-18s play in the third qualifying round of the FA Youth Cup against Mossley and will be hoping for a repeat of the senior team’s result against the same opposition last Saturday.
At the weekend Mark Cooper’s side won 6-2 at Seel Park and the high-flying youth team aim to do likewise.
Quakers are top of the Youth Alliance North-East League with six league wins from their opening eight games while they beat York City in the previous round of the cup.
Liddle said: “The competition provides the players with an opportunity to play at some top venues.
“Realistically it isn’t a cup we’re going to win, but there’s no reason we can’t get through a few rounds and if we can do that, we could face the likes of Liverpool or Manchester United.
“All FA Youth Cup games are played at the club’s grounds, so a few wins under our belts and we could be walking out at Old Trafford or Anfield.
“It would be some experience for the boys and that’s the prize at stake.
“Mark Cooper and Richard Dryden will also be at the game to see what they’ve got to offer, so there’s plenty for the lads to play for.
“We’ve had a decent start to the season and things are going quite well. Most fans won’t get the opportunity to see us because our games are Saturday’s but with no senior game this midweek it’s a chance to come and have a look.”
Admission is £3 and £1 (concessions) for the game (ko 7.45pm).
Meanwhile, Cooper says Keith Gillespie may sign before Saturday’s trip to AFC Wimbledon.
The 35-year-old former Newcastle United winger has been on trial with Quakers and Cooper said: “He trained with us last week and did really well. He hasn’t lost loads of pace, he’s still got some pace, and is fantastic with the ball as you would expect.
“Maybe we can sort something out with him.
“He might be involved next week.
“We want good footballers who can keep the ball in tight areas and Keith can certainly do that.”
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