Baggies host Torquay United at The Hawthorns
ALBION Under-18s kick-off their FA Youth Cup campaign tonight, as they welcome Torquay United to The Hawthorns (7pm ko).
The Baggies, who sit comfortably in mid-table in the Barclays U18 Premier League South Group, have already enjoyed victories over the likes of Villa, Arsenal and Southampton twice so far this season.
Aaron Danks’ side will be aiming for a lengthy stay in the prestigious cup competition, but the Under-18 boss is expecting a tough third-round tie against the Vanarama Conference outfit.
“It will be a great challenge for our players,” said Danks.
“We will have to work Torquay out tactically, and our players will have to be right mentally to handle the pressure of a cup competition.
“We have tried to do some background research on Torquay but it has been hard.
“It is a different type of fixture because we are playing a team who we don’t normally come up against.
“The build-up to the game has been very good and the boys have trained really well.
“It is good that the players get the exposure of playing in a prestigious competition and I think that’s crucial for their development.
“We would like a good run and we think we have a good set of players who should do pretty well.”
Admission to the game is via the West Stand only, with prices at £5 adults and £1 concessions.