This Sunday, the Young Exiles travel to Swansea with Byron Anthony’s team aiming to progress to the semi-finals of the FAW Youth Cup.
We preview both sides route to the quarter-final stage, talk to County’s Academy Manager Byron Anthony and scholar Lucas Murray, along with giving you all the information you need ahead of the tie.
Last Meeting
The Young Exiles’ last meeting with Swansea City was last year, in the FAW Youth Cup Semi-Final. The tie went into extra-time, and County were unlucky not to win, with Modou Touray having a massive chance in extra-time, having a shot cleared off the line.
Causso Darame scored in the 113th minute from a free-kick to knock Byron Anthony’s side out of the competition and progress to the final, which they would win against Cambrian and Clydach.
County’s FAW Youth Cup Campaign
The Young Exiles have only played two games in the cup – after automatically qualifying for the second-round because they made the semi-finals of the competition last year.
County’s first match in this year’s FAW Youth Cup was against Risca United, with Byron Anthony’s side producing a brilliant performance in the second round of the FAW Youth Cup, beating Risca United 4-0 at Ty Isaf Park.
Goals from Owen Taylor, Owura Edwards, Tom Hillman and Josh Williams lead the Young Exiles to a thrilling victory.
County then progressed to the quarter-finals of the competition after a comprehensive 5-0 win against Careau Ely, with goals from Liam Bishop, Tom Hillman, Josh Williams and a double from Jay Foulston leading the Young Exiles into the last eight, setting up a tie with Swansea City.
Swansea’s FAW Youth Cup Campaign
The current FAW Youth Cup holders Swansea – who have lifted the title for the past eight seasons - progressed to the Quarter-Finals with a 4-0 win away from home against Barry Town United. Their opening game of the campaign was a 4-1 win away from home against Garden Village in the second round of the competition.
Byron Anthony and Lucas Murray
Ahead of the game, Academy Manager Byron Anthony stated that his squad are looking forward to the challenge ahead: “All of the players are looking forward to the game Sunday, this is a great opportunity to play against a Category 1 team; The FAW Youth Cup has seen us come up against Swansea the last three years, so it will be another big challenge”
First-Year Scholar, Lucas Murray was asked about the challenge that Swansea presented the Young Exiles, and he said: “Tactically the game will be a tough test as Swansea are a top side, however if our game plan is executed properly I think we have a chance of getting something out of the game.
The defender went on to talk about the atmosphere in the camp ahead of the game: “The boys and I are all looking forward to the game and excited to see if we can progress further in the cup.
“We expect Swansea to be an attacking threat, from when we played them earlier in the season; if every player sticks to the game plan and works hard I feel we have a very good chance on Sunday.”
Match Details
Byron Anthony’s side will take on the Swans at Landore Training Ground (SA6 8AX), with entry free of charge for all spectators; the match will kick off at 1:30PM. (13:00)
Follow Along
You can follow match updates on the official academy Twitter @Youth_County, which will keep you updated with live updates from Swansea as the Young Exiles look to progress to the semi-finals of the FAW Youth Cup against the current competition holders.