Home   Medway   Sport   Article

Academy manager Bryan Bull expects tough clash when Gillingham begin their FA Youth Cup campaign against Hanworth Villa

Gillingham’s youth team start their FA Youth Cup campaign this week, with a home match against Hanworth Villa.

Their opponents beat Dover’s youth side 5-0 in the last round.

Gillingham's Emmanuel Fernandez in FA Youth Cup action against Ipswich last season Picture: Ady Kerry
Gillingham's Emmanuel Fernandez in FA Youth Cup action against Ipswich last season Picture: Ady Kerry

The match takes place on Tuesday at Priestfield with a 7.30pm kick-off.

Under-18s and season ticket holders are admitted free of charge, otherwise it’s £5 for adults and £2 for seniors.

Gills academy manager Bryan Bull isn’t underestimating the task ahead of their side, even if the opponents aren’t familiar to most.

He said: “It will be a tough assignment as, these days, there is a fine line between professional club academies and some of the really well run school/college schemes in operation.

“These generally are full-time in nature, combining education for part of the day and training too, with midweek league matches.

“There are, therefore, very few differences from a fitness point of view and the better sides generally contain a number of players who have just missed out on apprenticeships.”

The Gills enjoyed a good run in the FA Youth Cup last season, beating category one side Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park.

Bull added: “We are going to be really young in the competition this year, with probably as many as five or six players who are still at school.”

Read more: All the latest sports news in Kent

Close This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies.Learn More