Preview of AFC Wimbledon's match at Huddersfield
Mark Robinson believes that the Under-18s have made significant strides this season and he is confident that they can give Huddersfield a tough test tomorrow.
AFC Wimbledon’s young crop get an opportunity to play on a big stage tomorrow (2.30 pm kick-off) with the third round FA Youth Cup tie at the John Smith’s Stadium, home of the Championship club.
Speaking during an interview with WDON’s Rob Cornell for our official You Tube channel, Mark Robinson said: “People see us in the FA Youth Cup and wonder why we are low down in the league table, but it is just down to availability. When I’ve had a full squad and been able to play the lads who are in the Under-21s we have not lost a game this season. That’s the reality of it. Teams who are doing well in the league like Leyton Orient do not have an Under-21s side.
“We have always been decent this season, but the younger lads have taken a little bit longer and that’s why we’ve lost games early on. We are top of the Under-21s league and Alan Reeves has done that with five or six Under-18s in his squad every game. That shows our strength more than looking at the Under-18 league table.”
The match at Huddersfield will kick-off at 2.30 pm with admission at £4 for adults and £2 for concessions.
On the challenge that awaits at Huddersfield, Mark added: “I drove up there to watch them beat Sheffield United 2-0 and it was pretty comfortable for them, even though United are top of their league. Huddersfield are a good side, but you are looking for little bits and pieces so that you can hurt them. Hopefully, I’ve found a couple of things, and ways of stopping them hurting us. There is no doubt they are a very good side so it is a challenge the boys are looking forward to.
“We try not to talk about last season (run to last-16 of competition) because as a club we want to keep growing by doing new and better things all the time. I keep saying. ‘You have to create your own little bit of history and at the same time continue to develop as players’. I think they have the bit between their teeth now and they are looking forward to it.”
to view highlights of the Under-18s winning 5-0 against Peterborough in their last game.You TubeThe full interview with Mark can be viewed via the link above. Visit our official