Altrincham prepare to host Darlo in The Youth Cup.
Altrincham v Darlington
The FA Youth Cup
Third Round Qualifying
7.45pm, Tuesday 25 October 2011
Moss Lane, Altrincham FC
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Altrincham manager George Heslop is hoping for an improved performance from his players in tonight’s FA Youth Cup Third Round Qualifying clash at Moss Lane.
Since overcoming Lancaster City on penalties in the previous round, Heslop has seen his side slump to two consecutive defeats, and the boss thinks that the players may have paid the price for having more than one eye on this evening’s game.
"We have been well off the boil since the last round and that has been disappointing. I have been trying to convince them that anyone who I felt was not giving 100 per cent wouldn’t play tonight. However, it is human nature to be excited for a big game and of course there is also that fear of getting injured, too."
Altrincham’s hopes have suffered a major setback in the build-up to the game as they look to cope with the loss of explosive striker Duncan Watmore who is away in India on a school trip and the manager has been forced to draft in some replacements.
"I think there will be three changes from the 16 that featured against Lancaster. We are bringing in Jack Woolley and Dominic Taylor and we also have Ryan Barry back from injury in midfield, who was heartbroken to miss the last round so that is a big boost for us."
Meanwhile, Heslop has been doing his homework on the visitors and, having watched a DVD of Darlington’s game against York earlier on this season, the manager feels that his opponent’s physicality may prove to be a decisive factor but is counting on his own side’s technical prowess to make the difference.
"They are a big, strong side which plays a lot of direct football. It’s going to be a tough battle against a full-time outfit that play in the Football League Youth Alliance which is a level up from the league that we play in.
"However, if we are playing at our best, we can get a result. I will always back my boys from a technical point of view. My two lads in the centre of midfield are quite small but they are technically excellent and when they are bigger and stronger, they will be top, top players.
"We have some plans to try and overcome the physical threat posed by Darlington. I have been juggling around with some different formations and hopefully we will get it right."
Should Heslop oversee a momentous victory, Altrincham will have the opportunity to host Sheffield FC in the First Round Proper.
