Chris Beech looks ahead to Wednesday night's FA Youth Cup match
Rochdale’s under 18 side head to the City Ground on Wednesday evening to face Nottingham Forest in the fourth round of the FA Youth Cup.
It is the first time the youngsters have been on the road in the competition after being drawn at home in the previous three rounds.
Wednesday night’s opponents booked their place in the fourth round with a 2-1 win over Cardiff City, while Dale progressed to this stage of the competition with a 3-2 extra time victory against Crewe Alexandra.
Youth Team Manager Chris Beech is keeping the players grounded ahead of the encounter: “I was fortunate enough to play a few games at the City Ground during my career and it is steeped in history. It is a
fantastic place to go and play football and it is a great opportunity for the players.
“They are looking forward to playing another football match, and that is all it is, it is just another football match and other opportunity to do what we do. We have prepared that way for our task in hand which is to go against a very organised youth system. We’re not of that size, but we are of a quality that we are really pleased with.
“I have stated it before and I will state it again that this season’s team is the best youth team I have ever coached during my eight years of coaching. But this is just another game and it is about whether we can do what we do best against a very fit, strong and physical unit. They’re very good with the ball and very good without it.
“This game will take care of itself in terms of motivation but we have got to respect our opponents, they are top of their Academy league. We are thankful that the club are supporting us and that they’ve put a supporters coach on. We are very thankful that supporters are getting behind us.”
Admission on the night is £3 for adults and £1 for concessions.
Spaces still remain for the trip, and supporters who would like to travel are asked to book their place as soon as possible. You can do so by either dropping into the club shop or by telephoning 0844 826 1907 (option 3).
The coach, which will depart Spotland at 4.30pm, is priced at £14 for an adult and £10 for an under 16.