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Williamson's message ahead of Carlisle United's FA Youth Cup clash

Mike Williamson, left, will be at Brunton Park tonight to watch the young Blues in the FA Youth Cup, with players such as Jonah Lowes, main image, set to feature <i>(Image: Richard Parkes / Ben Holmes)</i>
Mike Williamson, left, will be at Brunton Park tonight to watch the young Blues in the FA Youth Cup, with players such as Jonah Lowes, main image, set to feature (Image: Richard Parkes / Ben Holmes)

Mike Williamson is urging Carlisle United’s teenagers to relish the excitement and nerves of tonight’s big FA Youth Cup third round tie.

The young Blues face Plymouth Argyle at Brunton Park this evening.

United’s under-18s are bidding to reach the fourth round for the first time sine the 2016/17 season.

First-team head coach Williamson will be there to watch Mark Birch’s young side take on Championship visitors.

And he says dealing with the emotion of the occasion will be key for the young United side.

“I’m looking forward to watching it,” said Williamson.

“I was involved in it and I know the nerves it brings, I know what the occasion is, but that's just part of the development and the process that they've got to go through.

“Everyone will react and handle it differently, but they've done fantastic so far.

“So as much as they've got to be proud of the games they've won and how far they've come, they've got a big game ahead and that's the nature of the job – and it's an exciting game for them.”

United's squad tonight will include a number of players given first-team outings by Williamson this season.

Dan Hopper, Jonah Lowes, Freddie O'Donoghue, Hayden Atkinson and Seb Mason have all made senior appearances this campaign.