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Watson Hoping For Another Big Cup Crowd
Written by Newcastle Utd
Dave Watson is hoping that the Newcastle fans will turn out in their numbers for Wednesday night's FA Youth Cup fourth round tie against AFC Wimbledon
By Dan King - Newcastle United Digital Editor
When Newcastle faced Chelsea in the quarter-finals of the FA Youth Cup last season, the attendance was a staggering 11,664.
And although the Magpies eventually lost 3-0 after extra time to a strong Blues side which went on to lift the trophy, those supporters were treated to a hugely entertaining game as the likes of Adam Armstrong, Freddie Woodman and Daniel Barlaser gave everything for the black and white cause.
United's youngsters are back at St. James' Park in the same competition on Wednesday (kick-off 7pm) when AFC Wimbledon are the visitors at the fourth round stage, and under-18 coach Dave Watson is hoping for another healthy crowd to support his talented teenagers.
Wimbledon - who knocked out Watford in the third round - trained at Middlesbrough's Rockliffe Park complex on Tuesday afternoon and a coach full of fans set off from the Cherry Red Records Stadium on Wednesday morning.
And former Everton and England defender Watson told nufc.co.uk: "These games don't come around too often so when they do, enjoy them.
"That's the message that's gone out to our lads as well. Let's hope one or two of them go on and play lots of games at St. James' but for now, certainly enjoy the moment.
"The bigger the crowd, the more exciting it is for the kids and hopefully it'll be a great learning curve for them to play in front of big crowds.
"The crowd (against Chelsea) last year was absolutely fantastic so let's hope we can get that back going again."
Players like Armstrong, Rolando Aarons, Lubo Satka and Callum Roberts have all progressed to the first team after impressing in the FA Youth Cup over the last couple of seasons, while the likes of Paul Dummett, Tim Krul, Andy Carroll, Sammy Ameobi and even Paul Gascoigne have featured for the Club in the competition in years gone by.
Midfielder Dan Ward - who was a key part of last year's run - has been ruled out through injury, but Watson was otherwise staying tight-lipped on team news.
"I can tell you absolutely nothing," he smiled.
"We're alright. We're really happy with what we've got and we're just hoping that the lads put on a really good performance on the night and win the game, which is the most important thing."
Admission at St. James' Park on Wednesday night is £3 for adults and £1 concessions.