Kane Wears has set the Northumberland FA U18 representative team the challenge of a top-two finish ahead of their FA County Youth Cup second round game against Nottinghamshire FA tomorrow.

This comes after the county side began their 2018/19 campaign with a 4-1 win over divisional rivals Sheffield & Hallamshire FA last week in South Yorkshire.

“Sheffield were a good team, but I’m not too fussed who we come up against this season – I’m really confident in the group of players that we have got,” said manager, Wears.

“We want to finish top two. If not then what’s the point – we may as well go for it and hopefully have an exciting season.”

Last season in the cup Northumberland were knocked out in the third round by eventual winners Norfolk FA – this year they have a brand new squad and a new approach which has been a success so far.

“We are looking at tactics but we are going to focus upon our strengths and what makes us good as a team,” added Wears.

“As well as that we have eyes and ears on every team to make sure we are fully prepared for every game.”

One player Wears is looking towards this season is talented wide man Sam Dibb-Fuller. The Prudhoe Youth Club teenager has been in fine form recently, scoring two against Sheffield, including a stunning free kick to open the scoring for his team.

“For a player that on Monday was a doubt for the squad after an injury I thought he was great [last week] and summed up what the team was all about,” said Wears.

“He keeps trying to work on aspects of his game like free kicks – and credit to him – his strike was a really good finish.”

The tie at Whitley Park tomorrow will kick off at 2pm with entry priced at £3 for adults and £1 for concessions. If Northumberland progress they will face either Amateur Football Alliance or London FA in the third round of the competition.

You can follow all match action live over on our Twitter account (@NorthumFA).