Derby rivalry to the fore for Cambridge United and Peterborough United

Clubs to clash in FA Youth Cup

Cambridge United's young guns will get the chance to showcase their wares in a derby environment when they face Peterborough United in the first round of the FA Youth Cup tomorrow night (October 31).

It will be United's first entry into the competition this season, having reached the fourth round last year when they were eventually beaten by Brighton & Hove Albion.

And being up against old foes Peterborough is likely to add extra spice to the first-round clash at London Road, kick off 7pm.

"We're really excited. The FA Youth Cup always brings excitement, whoever you're playing against, but because it's a local derby it's a little bit tastier,said United academy manager Mark Bonner.

"We've played them twice already this season in the league, so we know a little bit about them but this brings an extra edge to the game.

"We've got a group of boys that have been here a long time, they understand that little bit of rivalry but they've got to be able to concentrate and deliver a good performance to give us the best chance of progressing."

United have beaten Peterborough on both occasions this season, but Bonner is not reading anything into the fixtures as both sides were missing players.

And it is a vital competition in the development of the academy players as it is key chance for them to impress and show what they are all about.

"It's the spotlight competition for young players,said Bonner.

"It's the one that prepares them best for the first-team environment, it creates a bit of pressure, it's the stadium, it's the number of fans that come and watch it.

"We like to think this one has captured the imagination a little bit and there will be a few people watching. But our boys are well prepared for that.

"There naturally is pressure, especially for the second-year scholars as they see this as their flagship competition where they get the chance to show what they can do.

"And we have to make sure they don't get too carried away with that because we've got some good players, we're a good team and we've got to go into it and deliver the best we can on the night.

"We will need to be at our best to win it."