The date of West Ham United’s FA Youth Cup third round clash against Blackpool has been confirmed, with the Hammers set to host their Lancashire opponents on Friday 15 December.
Blackpool will travel to Dagenham and Redbridge’s Chigwell Construction Stadium for the clash which will kick-off at 7pm.
The Hammers have been drawn at home for the first time in five years at this stage of the competition and will be hoping the home support works to their advantage on the night.
The last time the east Londoners made it past the third round was back in 2012/13, when hosts Aldershot Town were beaten 3-1.
At the next stage, the Hammers were drawn against London rivals Tottenham Hotspur but went down 5-2 at the Boleyn Ground.
The Academy of Football’s U18 did, however, have famously lifted the trophy on three occasions – a record bettered only by Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal.
The Club, who were most recently triumphant in 1999 with the likes of Michael Carrick and Joe Cole in the team, have also been runners-up four times.
Last season, Steve Potts and Mark Phillips’ side were beaten 4-2 by Stoke City on penalties after a 2-2 draw in normal time.
Tickets are priced at £3 for adults and £1 concessions at the Chigwell Construction Stadium for the Blackpool tie and all tickets will be available to purchase on the day on the gate.
Meanwhile, the Premier League U18 cup clash at Middlesbrough on Saturday 2 December has been postponed due to snow.