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Gillingham tackle Ipswich Town under-18s in the FA Youth Cup at Priestfield

Gillingham’s youth team face a big FA Cup game of their own on Friday night.

The under-18s head into their fourth round tie of the FA Youth Cup against Ipswich at Priestfield buoyed by a 2-1 win at Blackburn in the previous round.

A daunting task awaits against a youth side ranked higher than the Gills, but boss Ben White knows they are capable of another upset.

Gillingham FC youth coach Ben White Picture: Gillingham FC
Gillingham FC youth coach Ben White Picture: Gillingham FC

He said: “We were underdogs against Blackburn and I feel we are underdogs in this game as well. The result in the last round was a confidence-booster for the lads and demonstrated what they are capable of.

“Ipswich are of a similar level to Blackburn, they play in a league with other category one and two teams. They put five past Millwall at the weekend – they are a decent side – but Blackburn were a good side, too.

“We managed to stifle them and play our way and got a result and so there is no reason why we can’t get a result on Friday.”

White’s own team were beaten 6-1 by Southend at the weekend and he’s looking for a response.

“That was the worst performance and result since I have been at the club,” said the coach.

“It was not acceptable and it can’t happen again. That’s the first time we have been stuffed by anyone since I have been here. We need to learn from it and put it behind us.”

There will be no better way than by beating Ipswich at Priestfield.

“The boys are really looking forward to it and it’s something they are looking to embrace,” White said.

“If we are right and if we apply ourselves and deliver the kind of performances we are capable of then we can get a result on Friday.”

Friday night's game kicks off at 7pm. Adult tickets cost £5, seniors £2 and free for under-18s.

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