Pontefract Collieries’ Academy players are preparing for tomorrow’s trip to Blundell Park to take on Grimsby Town in the 2nd round of the FA Youth Cup.

The plum tie – arguably the best tie of the round for the young team to have drawn – is an appropriate reward for the youngsters beating Silsden in their away tie in the previous round. (To read match report, click here). The match was won 4:3 in extra time, after a thrilling game during which both teams played extremely well. The tie represents the third step towards a possible FA Youth Cup Final, which was won by Manchester United last season. Pontefract benefitted from a bye in the first of these steps, joining the competition at the Preliminary Round stage.

Grimsby progressed due to a 1:0 win over Ossett Albion in the Preliminary Round, having also received a bye through the Extra Preliminary Round. The victors will be able to look forward to a possible tie against a Football League, Championship or even Premiership Club, as these enter the competition at the next stage.

The side is in good form, with the U19s team having started their league campaign last Tuesday with an 8:0 win away at Pockington Town, while the bulk of the side won through to the Second Round of the Castleford & District FA Challenge Cup on Saturday, as they made the step up to open age football with a good win over a strong Carleton South Pontefract side.

The club is putting on a coach from Pontefract, with a few seats still being available for any fans who wish to travel to Grimsby with the team to support the lads. The price of the return journey is £5, payable on the night, with the coach departing from Pontefract Park at 5:00pm on Thursday. Anybody wishing to travel with the team should contact the Academy Manager, John Redford, on 07843 601397.