Words Joe Edgar | Pictures Steve Iacovou

Alty welcome Carlisle United to The J.Davidson Stadium as we play in the First Round Proper of the FA Youth Cup on Thursday evening (7pm kick-off).

Setting the Scene

After entering the competition in the Third Qualifying Round, the young Robins have made it into the First Round Proper with impressive victories over Warrington Town and Chester.

Two goals from Vlad Shtyhlian gave Alty their first win in this year’s competition as they beat Warrington Town 2-1, and Harrison Howells scored the only goal of the game against Chester, where Altrincham won 1-0 and progressed into the main draw.

In their respective divisions, the two Altrincham Academy teams sit second in the National Youth League, North West Championship, and seventh in the National League u19 Alliance North respectively.

Meanwhile, Carlisle United u18s - who enter the FA Youth Cup at this stage of the competition - have endured a difficult start to their campaign in the EFL Youth Alliance North, picking up just four points from their opening seven games.

The Gaffer

Academy manager Paul Fay's thoughts on Thursday’s match.

“Coming into the Youth Cup competition at Third Round Qualifying has its pros and cons. The pros are we have more time to settle and prepare from our September start, but the cons are the draws are more competitive, and both the Warrington and Chester games have been testing.

“Selection of the squad is difficult and there are many players who I have the confidence would represent the club well, but I can only select 18. There are players still returning from injury which, whilst frustrating, is allowing the opportunity for others to be exposed to the experience.

“I expect Carlisle to be well prepared and set up and I am looking forward to a good game of football. My biggest message to the players is to play the game and not get caught out by the occasion. If the players turn up and execute what is being asked, then the next round will be there for them.” 

Home Kit

We'll be wearing our red and white 2024/25 home kit – produced by Puma and sponsored by AO, McHale & Co. and Car Finance 247.

Tickets

Tickets will be available to purchase at the gate (cash turnstiles) or online here priced at just £3 over-18s & £1 under-18s.

Turnstiles open at 6:15pm and the Community Sports Hall Bar & Kiosk will be open throughout the evening for refreshments.

Can’t make the game?

Our Radio Robins team will provide coverage on Thursday evening and will be on air from 6.45pm via Radio Alty here with Paul Salt & Tom Jolley.

Come on you Robins!!!