Gillingham’s rescheduled FA Youth Cup match with Sunderland takes place tonight – but there’s less to look forward to for the winner.
Gills’ under-18s – managed by Mark Moss – take on Sunderland at Priestfield in a game that had been scheduled to take place last Tuesday before frosty conditions led to a postponement. Round five opponents were due to be either Swindon Town or Manchester United.
Swindon’s youth team pulled off a surprise 2-0 win over United’s youngsters last week to take their place in round five and will now visit the winners of the tie between the Gills and Sunderland.
Gillingham were unlikely to be looking beyond their own fourth-round match, however, against a category one academy side in Sunderland. They would need to pull off a surprise result of their own to progress.
The Gills have already seen off Ware, Eastleigh and Oxford United in earlier rounds but face a big step up in opposition. Tuesday night’s game at Priestfield kicks off at 7pm.
Gillingham’s first-team head coach Stephen Clemence will be among those watching. One of his first coaching roles came at Sunderland when he was employed as a development coach at the club.
Clemence said: “I know everyone in the academy is looking forward to it, the boys are looking forward to it, it will be a good test.
“I have worked at Sunderland and their academy is very good. They produce good players but our boys have done really well in the competition so far.
“I will obviously be there and I’m looking forward to see how they do. I wish them all the best.”
Adult tickets will cost £5 with under-18s charged £3.
