West Ham United U18

West Ham United U18s to face Newcastle United U18s in FA Youth Cup third round

West Ham United U18s have been drawn to face Newcastle United U18s at home in the FA Youth Cup third round.

Details for the fixture are to be confirmed, but in line with the competition’s schedule, the match must take place and be completed by Saturday 11 December.

Two-time winners of the competition, Newcastle possess a strong record in the Youth Cup, reaching the quarter-finals last season before being defeated 6-1 by eventual winners Aston Villa at St James’ Park. 

Last season, Kevin Keen’s West Ham U18s reached the fifth round of the FA Youth Cup for the first time since 2011/12, beating Luton Town on penalties at Kenilworth Road after a dramatic 3-3 draw, before hammering Norwich City 5-0 at Carrow Road in the fourth round.

There, their Youth Cup adventure drew to a close, with a 3-1 defeat at the hands of an Arsenal team who proved more clinical on the night at Rush Green Stadium. 

Villa, who are this season’s defending champions, went on to overcome Liverpool – Arsenal’s quarter-final conquerors – in the final.

West Ham have won the prestigious FA Youth Cup on three occasions previously – 1963, 1981 and 1999 – while also finishing as runners-up in four further seasons. 

Their last medals from the competition came courtesy of a resounding 9-0 victory over Coventry across a two-legged final in 1999.

For the 2021/22 competition, players must have been born on or after 1 September 2003 and before 1 September 2006 to be eligible to feature in the FA Youth Cup.