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Beard: Tough draw but one we’ll embrace

Albion under-18s coach Mark Beard says tonight’s fourth round FA Youth Cup tie against Derby County at Pride Park is a stern test his players will enjoy.

By Alex Stedman • 08 January 2020

By Paul Hazlewood
Albion under-18s coach Mark Beard.

The young Seagulls head to the East Midlands looking to secure a place in round five for the second year in succession, and Beard is confident his players are up to the challenge.

He said, “I don’t think we could have got a tougher draw. Derby County are well known for having good youth and under-23 teams over the years.

“Their league form might be a bit misleading too because the team they play in those matches doesn’t tend to be the one that plays in the FA Youth Cup.

“They have a lot of players in the under-23s and a few in and around the first-team picture too. We played them in pre-season and beat them 2-0, but the side that day is very different to the one that beat Everton 1-0 in the last round of the Youth Cup. 

“I’ve told our lads that they are the best youth side I’ve seen this season in terms of their work ethic and the way they play. They have some very good players, but so do we and I’m sure it’ll be a great game.”

By Paul Hazlewood
Mark Beard watches on from the dugout.

Beard says he and his players will enjoy the challenge of playing at Pride Park.

“It’ll be great for the lads to play in an amazing venue and a good pitch - it’s a great experience for us,” he added. “I played at the old Baseball Ground but never at Pride Park, so it’ll be a new experience for me as well.

“This is what the competition is about. You want to play at the best stadiums and have your family and friends there watching you. Hopefully it’s an occasion they will relish.”

By Paul Hazlewood
Lorent Tolaj celebrates scoring against Leicester City in the last round.

Albion trailed after a few minutes in their victory over Leicester City in the previous round before winning 3-2 thanks to a brace from Stefan Vukoje and a goal from Lorent Tolaj.

“Sometimes these games can be quite frantic, and they take a little while to settle down because of the scale of the occasion,” said Beard.

“The start tonight will important and we have to have the right mentality, and not approach it any differently to any other game.

“We have to stick to our game plan and the boys have to enjoy themselves, play without fear and try to get through to the next round.”