The young Blues travel to the UTS Stadium to take on Gateshead in the FA Youth Cup tonight, and we caught up with midfielder Jonah Lowes.
Speaking to CUTV, he said: (We’re) feeling confident, all the boys are ready for it.
“Round one was successful, we enjoyed it, it was a good day out at Morecambe, and yeah, we've been building well towards tomorrow, and we feel we're ready.”
United progressed in the previous round with a convincing 5-0 win at Morecambe.
“It was a brilliant game, the lads did well all game really, but like we said, we just need to build on that and go again tomorrow and try and get another win.”
On dealing with challenging weather conditions on the night, he said: “We sort of just had to, throughout the day we didn't know what was going to happen with the game.
“So just try to stay focused and prepare as the game was on, and then sort of in the game, it didn't really affect us, we sort of just played the way we play, and it worked, and we're in the next round.”
Lowes and his midfield partner, Simon Rigby, were key in the victory against the Shrimps, dictating the game’s flow, a partnership that has been long in the making.
“We've played together since we were about under 10, so we know each other's game very well, and we help each other.
“Some things I'll do, some things he'll do, we cover each other, we have a good relationship on and off the pitch.”
Attackers Seb Mason, Reuben Towers, and Amaru Smith all got on the scoresheet, showing some clinical finishing in front of goal.
“It makes it a lot easier, it makes us focus on our job a bit more as well.
“If we sort of do our job right, it gives them support, and, if we do our job, it helps them, and it's good for them to do well as well.”
On the threat Gateshead will pose: “Definitely a tough game, they'll be up for it, but not too worried about them, just if we play our game, we can win, and that's all that matters, but definitely be up for it.”
Lowes has had first-team experience, making his debut last season and continuing to feature in training and pre-season against the likes of Newcastle United.
“I've enjoyed it, it's been tough, but the more I'm with them, the more I'm getting used to it and enjoying it, just need to keep working hard and try and get more of them opportunities.
“It was overwhelming, really good experience, but it just shows the level that you need to get to, and yeah, a lot of hard work needs to be put in to get there, but it was good, it was an eye-opener.
“It was good to be in and around it on a match day. I've trained with them lots, but it was nice to be there on a game day and see what goes on behind the scenes, and I enjoyed it a lot.
“Certain players like Callum Whelan and (Elliot) Embleton and players like that, my style of play, I enjoy getting to play with them and learn things from them because they're players I want to be like, good experiences.”
On the backing from the fans in the FA Youth Cup: “It'll be nice for a few people to come and watch, we'll hopefully put a show on for them, and it'll be good, and it was appreciated at Morecambe.
“I think us lads, you know, we like a big occasion and the more the better really, and we'll just try and impress them.”
