Fleetwood Town Under-18s travel to Wigan Athletic in the FA Youth Cup First Round and we have all you need to know in this preview ahead of the clash.
Fixture: Wigan Athletic V Fleetwood Town
Competition: FA Youth Cup First Round
Date: Friday 3 November 2023
Kick-off: 18:30pm (BST)
Venue: 15 Loire Drive, Robin Park Rod, Wigan, WN5 0UH
LAST TIME OUT IN THE FA YOUTH CUP
Last season, Town’s Under 18’s went on an impressive run in this competition by reaching the 5th round, with victories over the likes of Bristol City and Middlesbrough.
First half goals from Mikey Lane and Kayden Hughes and second-half double from Zane Marsh helped the Cod Army cut through Carlisle in Round One, with up a dominant 4-0 display away from home.
Two more away trips followed in round two and three, with 0-1 victories over both Stockport County and Bristol City respectively.
The Cods then blitz past Middlesbrough 3-0 at Highbury in Round Four, with a Pharrell Brown brace and George Morrison earning them a comfortable victory, before losing 5-0 to an impressive Manchester City side in Round Five - concluding their run last year’s competition.
LEARNING ABOUT OUR YOUNG CODS
The youthful Cods are managed by former Bradford and Sheffield United winger Mark Yeates, who has overseen the Under-18’s team as manager since January 2023, having previously served as assistant coach from July 2022. Captained by defender Kayden Hughes, the full list of Under-18’s players can be viewed HERE
Town’s Under-18s squad have enjoyed several good results this season, including thumping Queens Park Rangers 9-0 at Poolfoot Farm and beating local rivals Burnley 2-1 away from home in the Under-18s Professional Development League. They also beat neighbours Blackpool 1-0 in the Development League Cup earlier this season.
THE OPPOSITION
Wigan Athletic also play in the Under-18s Professional Development League, and still search for their first win of the season in both league and cup.
The Latics were beaten 2-0 by Gillingham in round three of in last year’s FA Youth Cup competition, having also exited at this stage in 2020/21.
An exciting run saw the northern outfit reach the quarter final stages in 2019/20, but they were knocked out after a 2-1 defeat to Manchester United, concluding a spirited cup run.
Latics Under-18’s squad has seen some exciting talent over the past few seasons, including the likes of Joe Gelhardt, Sam Tickle, Kyle Joseph, Jensen Weir and Thelo Aasgaard, who have all gone on to have first team careers.
Fleetwood and Wigan’s Under-18’s will go toe-to-toe several times this season, as they are set to meet again in league and cup encounters.
TICKET INFORMATION ON THE NIGHT
Supporters will be able to cheer on the Young Cods on the night, with ticket details as follows below:
£4 for Adults and £2 for Concessions. The Club will let fans know whether tickets will be available to buy online or only on the night at the turnstiles.
Stay up to date with all news regarding our Under-18s and Academy on X HERE, Facebook HERE and Instagram HERE!