Eyoma targets another memorable night in FA Youth Cup

Under-18s defender TJ Eyoma is hoping to be roared on by another vocal crowd when we return to FA Youth Cup action against Norwich City at Stevenage on Tuesday evening (January 24).

Our fans travelled in numbers to watch our 4-1 win at QPR in the fourth round earlier this month and, along with the team on the pitch, didn’t disappoint.

Head of Player Development John McDermott beamed that night: “We had unbelievable support and to have that level of support where the fans know all the players’ names and sing them aloud is superb.”

Now, as we prepare to host the Canaries at the Lamex Stadium in round five, TJ would love to hear more of the same as we bid to take another step forward in the high-profile competition.

“It would be great to get another good crowd cheering us on,” said the 16-year-old, who has featured at right-back in our two previous FA Youth Cup ties this season. “It will be a good experience once again playing at Stevenage under the lights because having a game in a stadium like that helps us feel what the first team do when they play.

“I think playing in the FA Youth Cup is a chance for us to express ourselves against some of the other top sides in the country, so hopefully we’ll do well.

“Defensively we’re aiming for a clean sheet and I’m confident that the attackers can get the job done – we’ve got a good set of players here, a good group with a good mentality. I’m excited about the game, I think it’ll be a good test and hopefully we can get the win. It should be a great night.”

While we’ve scored a staggering 14 goals in two ties to get to this stage, Norwich promise to provide our sternest challenge yet. We’ve met them twice in the Under-18 Premier League this season, drawing 2-2 at Hotspur Way in September and losing 3-2 in the away fixture in early December.

“Obviously it was a disappointing result that day but hopefully we can change that and win,” said TJ, reflecting on the most recent match against Tuesday’s opponents.

“We conceded some sloppy goals back then but it’s a new game now, we’re fresh and ready to go. It’s very important that we don’t get ahead of ourselves after our recent results in this competition – we know playing against Norwich will be tough having lost to them in the league but we believe we can change that and I’m positive we’ll get a good result.”

Tickets will be available at the Lamex Stadium on the night, priced at £5 for adults and £2 for concessions. Kick-off will be at 7pm.