US Portsmouth aim to keep their FA Youth Cup dream alive against Weymouth
Danny Knight has called on US Portsmouth's under-18s to rise to another FA Youth Cup test and move a step closer to the dream of reaching the first round proper.
The USP young guns are just two wins away from a potential date with Portsmouth or another EFL club.
Their next test is a second qualifying round tie against National League club Weymouth's under-18s at the Victory Stadium on Tuesday (7.45pm).
Appearing in the competition for the first time this season, US have so far netted 12 goals in two victories.
A 5-1 home win over Bournemouth Poppies was followed by a 9-0 hammering of Hampshire Development East League rivals Fareham Town.
Knight believes the chance to play in the FA Youth Cup is bringing out the best in his players.
And with an away tie against either Ascot United or Didcot Town awaiting the winner, he sees an opening for the squad to make a real mark on the competition.
‘We seem to be doing better in this then what we have done in the league,' admitted Knight.
'We’ve been struggling a bit in the league.
‘They seem to get really up for this.
‘It’s on the lads, if they show up they can match anyone, within reason.
‘It’s up to them really, all we can do is get them well prepared, put them out there and hopefully they do the business.
‘It’s going to be on the night really. If we turn up, you never know.
‘Hopefully we’ll go out and give a good account of ourselves.'
US are unbeaten in four Hampshire Development matches in 2020/21, the latest a 2-1 home victory over Moneyfields.
Moneys are home to Aldershot Town in their FA Youth Cup tie on Thursday (7.45pm).