Oldham Athletic’s Head of Youth Tony Philliskirk is hoping for a big turnout tonight at Boundary Park as his youth side go head to head with Macclesfield Town in the FA Youth Cup.
The winners of the second round clash, which kicks-off at 7pm will face the long trip to Carrow Road to face Norwich City in the 3rd Round.
“It is very similar to the FA Cup when the minnows try to reach the third round and then be paired with a Premier League club,” Philliskirk told the clubs website.
“There is a big reward for our lads if we win tomorrow, the chance to play at Carrow Road against one of the top Academy sides.”
Philliskirk describes it as Latics under-18’s biggest game of the season and it is a rare chance for the Apprentices to play at Boundary Park.
He continued; “Our form in the league has been inconsistent, but in the biggest games in the Lancashire Youth Cup and FA Youth Cup have raised our performances.”
“We have had a couple of light training sessions this week and the lads look bright and sharp. We haven’t played Macclesfield yet in the league but I gather they are a big, strong physical side.”
“We have faced other such teams and handled the situation well so that doesn’t faze us. I expect it to be another close game.”
Philliskirk rested senior players Kyle Riley, Jack Laird, Glenn Belezika and Luke Simpson at weekend so they would be fresh for tomorrow.
He will pick his side from a 15-man squad which includes under-16’s schoolboy keeper Joel Coleman.
