The young Blues are back in FA Youth Cup action on Wednesday night with a trip to face Gateshead — and Mark Birch is relishing another chance for his young side to impress on a big stage.
Speaking ahead of the tie, Birch said: “These are the big nights for the lads — it’s another opportunity to go out and show what they can do.”
The team booked their place in the second round with a dominant 5-0 win over Morecambe, and Birch was quick to praise the performance and attitude throughout the squad.
“Yeah, I was delighted — just with the way the lads went about it from start to finish,” he said.
“The conditions weren’t great, but we said, ‘We’re not changing anything — this is the way we play.’ And they were fantastic on the night. Ruthless, really. They got the reward for their hard work.”
While the result was emphatic, Birch also stressed the importance of enjoying moments like that — while staying focused on the next challenge.
“You’ve got to enjoy moments like that because they don’t come around all the time,” he said.
“Especially in a bit of a derby game, it means a lot. But the next day, it’s back to work — back down to earth.”
Goals from Seb Mason, Amaru Smith and Reuben Towers capped off a clinical attacking display, and Birch was encouraged by the contribution from across the frontline.
“That’s been pleasing this year — the forward players have all chipped in with goals,” he said.
“We always want more from them, of course. Their all-round play has to be right, but ultimately, forwards are judged on numbers — and they’re delivering.”
But he was equally keen to recognise the efforts at the other end of the pitch.
“We’ve kept more clean sheets this season than we did in the whole of last year,” he added.
“While the forwards are doing their bit, the lads at the back have been just as good.”
With Casey Sillitoe out through injury, Sam Worth took his opportunity between the posts — delivering a composed and assured performance.
“Sam came in and was outstanding,” Birch said.
“He’s just a calm young goalkeeper. On the night, he was fantastic — and since he’s come in, he’s been faultless. Really consistent.”
Looking ahead to the next round, Birch gave his thoughts on the challenge Gateshead will pose.
“They’re a good footballing side — we’ve watched them in the last round, and they’ve got some good individuals,” he said.
“But like every game, we concentrate on ourselves. We back our best game to be a match for anyone’s best game.”
The squad comes into the game on the back of a strong weekend display, with a win over Doncaster providing another boost.
“The lads are in great spirits,” he said.
The message remains clear within the group: take each game as it comes and stay consistent.
“We don’t look too far ahead — it’s game by game,” he said.
“Every game is a new challenge, and every player has their own individual battle to win.”
On the training pitch, preparation remains focused — with small tweaks added to keep things fresh.
“We try to keep the foundation of what we do the same,” Birch explained.
“We might drop in one or two little things just to give the lads options, but we don’t change much. It’s about reiterating what we’re good at.”
As for the importance of the FA Youth Cup, Birch believes it offers a perfect platform for players to showcase what they’ve learned through the academy system.
“It’s massive — it shows what our academy is all about,” he said.
“These games are different. You’re playing in proper stadiums, there’s more attention, more pressure — and that’s what we want. It’s a chance for the lads to learn how to handle that.”
There was also recognition for the role families and supporters play in these moments — something Birch has experienced from both sides.
“These nights are great for parents,” he said.
“When my own son played in the Youth Cup, we were always there. Everyone knows what this competition means — it’s steeped in tradition. And it’s a chance for the lads to go out there and reward their parents for the commitment they’ve shown along the way.”
