Team BTC/Bridgwater Town Under-18s will face Newport County in the first round proper of the FA Youth Cup on Tuesday (October 29) after defeating Oxford City 2-0 in the last round.

Newport compete in the EFL U18’s Youth Alliance league and this is set to be the toughest test yet.

The previous rounds has seen Bridgwater beat Bristol Manor Farm, Torquay United and, most recently, Oxford City FC U18’s.

The last time Town reached this stage of the Youth Cup was in 2004/05 when, coincidentally, Newport were the opponents.

Bridgwater won to set up a tie against Bristol City, which City won 3-0 in front of a crowd of 295.

The players are keen to get a large crowd down to watch and help support them into the next round where they would then be one fixture away from a round where Premier League academies will enter the competition.

Mo Hopkins, Team BTC Men’s 1 Coach, said: “As a group we're really pleased to beat Oxford at Fairfax Park.

"We felt the game went to plan, but obviously would have liked to score the second goal a little sooner and possibly get a third.

"After the initial enjoyment we're very much 'onto the next one' and the players will look forward to the home tie against Newport County.”

Team BTC Manager Jamie Laird said: “It was another fantastic game of football to watch and a great advert for local football and players playing from all areas of the county.

"This is a great opportunity for the local community to come and see this special group of youngsters compete against another a Football League club where are the pressure will be on the academy team.

"We hope to see as many people down at the game as possible.”

"It would be great to see the local schools and junior football clubs come out in force and support the players who are very much part of the Somerset County community. The more people at the game the better - supporting the boys onto the next stage.”

The College team also helps its players into senior football due to the link-ups with both Taunton Town and Bridgwater Town.

Dave Pearse, who manages Bridgwater, said: "They have done really well.

"There are some very talented players in that side, several of whom have already played Western League or higher and several more who are capable of doing so.

"I am sure Mo [Hopkins] will have them well organised and it will be a great test for them."

Team BTC is also running two football development days over October Half term on October 30 and 31.

If you are a Year 10/11 student and want to get involved with any of these development days then please follow the link for more information and to register.