City’s under-18s are back in FA Youth Cup action this evening when hosting fellow category-three side Oldham Athletic, in round two (7.00pm).
This is set to be the young Bantams’ first home game in this competition since their memorable third-round penalty shoot-out victory over category-one Stoke City in December 2019.
The hosts will be hoping to keep up their momentum following a 2-0 triumph over category-one side Sunderland in the first round.
Martin Drury’s team currently sit in third position in the EFL Youth Alliance North East division, with the Latics - who ply their trade in the EFL Youth Alliance North West - sitting eighth in their respective league.
We have put together a Match Preview to take you through all the information you need ahead of the clash.
TICKETS
Supporters are reminded this evening's clash is an ALL-TICKET affair - with no admission available on the turnstiles.
Tickets are still available online for between just £1 and £3 - and can be purchased by CLICKING HERE.
The box office at the Utilita Energy Stadium will also remain open right up until kick-off, allowing those without tickets every opportunity to secure their place inside.
Six QR code scanning points remain available around the outside of Valley Parade allowing supporters to scan and secure their tickets with the touch of a button.
When purchasing, supporters will have the option to either receive a physical ticket or an electronic ticket to be sent via e-mail.
This e-Ticket can either be printed at home and brought along to the game to be scanned on turnstiles, or simply displayed on a smartphone or mobile device to admit entry on the day.
For full ticket details on the contest, please CLICK HERE.
To purchase your ticket, please CLICK HERE.
COVID-19
The club will continue to remain cautious of the threat of COVID-19, by implementing advisory measures on matchday. To read the club's Spectators Code of Conduct, please CLICK HERE.
These measures WILL NOT be compulsory, though supporters are advised, where possible, to obey the following procedures - to keep themselves and others safe:
- Arrive early to avoid queues. Turnstiles will be open from 6.00pm
- Wash hands regularly (use of sanitising stations throughout the stadium)
- Wear a face mask when in internal and crowded areas
- If not consuming alcohol, head straight to your seat - and avoid congregating in concourses
- Be courteous to others at all times. Maintain social distance from those not inside your bubble
- After the game, please remain seated until it is safe for you to exit the stadium socially distanced
- DO NOT ATTEND if you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, or have been ordered to self-isolate
To view the club’s full spectators code of conduct, please CLICK HERE.
SMOKING
The Utilita Energy Stadium is a strictly NON-SMOKING venue. Anyone caught smoking on the premises - including the use of e-cigarettes - will be immediately be ejected and not permitted re-entry.
Similarly, any supporter who chooses to leave the stadium to smoke will not be readmitted at any point.
PROHIBITED ITEMS
Supporters are politely asked to avoid bringing large bags to the stadium. If bringing food to the venue, smaller, see-through bags sized A4 are preferred.
Only plastic bottles will be permitted inside Valley Parade, with no glass bottles or cans allowed.
PYROTECHNICS & BEHAVIOUR
The club would like to remind supporters the possession or use of pyrotechnics inside a football ground is strictly prohibited.
Those found to be carrying or using pyrotechnics will face a long-term ban.
We would like to remind supporters it is a criminal offence to enter the pitch at any time.
Anyone who does so without permission can expect to face prosecution.
Supporters are also reminded to remain courteous when inside the stadium, with regards to foul and abusive language.
If you do hear anything offensive while inside the stadium, please report it to your nearest steward.
Drinking alcohol inside the stadium bowl, and anywhere outside of concourses, is also not permitted, while supporters are also not permitted to bring their own alcoholic drinks into the stadium, from outside the premises.
Should you see anyone smoking (including e-cigs), drinking in their seat, or behaving offensively, please report it to your nearest steward.
Unacceptable behaviour can also be anonymously reported to the club via the confidential matchday texting service - on 07949814243.
TURNSTILES & ENTRY
Turnstiles are set to open from 6.00pm this evening, with supporters politely asked to leave plenty of time to travel, and arrive at the stadium as early as possible to limit queues in the lead-up to kick-off.
Both sets of supporters will be situated in the bottom tier of The Kop, with entry available through turnstiles at the back of the One In A Million free school car park.
THE NEXT ROUND
The winner of tonight's contest will face a third-round trip to category-two QPR, after the draw was made yesterday.
To view the draw in full, please CLICK HERE.
2021/22 RECORD (all competitions)
City:
Played – 12
Won – 7
Drawn – 0
Lost – 5
Scored – 28
Conceded - 20
Oldham:
Played – 14
Won – 5
Drawn – 1
Lost – 8
Scored – 25
Conceded - 40
FIRST ROUND RESULTS
Sunderland 0
City 2
GOALS: Jack Wilson (13’), Dylan Youmbi (22’).
The Greater Manchester outfit were involved in an eight-goal thriller against Carlisle United in the first round - which they eventually won on penalties at Brunton Park.
Carlisle United 4
Oldham Athletic 4
Oldham won 5-3 on penalties
MATCH COVERAGE
Those unable to make it to the Utilita Energy Stadium this evening can follow the action with regular updates on the club’s official Twitter page.
You will also be able to catch updates on other social media platforms, such as Facebook and Instagram.
KIOSKS
A refurbished kiosk will be open again this evening, courtesy of the club's official kiosk catering partner, Tiffin Stadium Catering.
Fast-food products available for supporters to enjoy include the beef burger (£3.75), cheese burger (£4), chicken burger (£4) and hot dog (£4), which is also halal.
A renewed partnership also means the popular Pukka Pies (£3.50) will be available in kiosks, while pints of Carling can be purchased on draft for just £3.80, along with a range of snacks, and hot and cold soft drinks.
Meal deals are all available for just £7 from kiosks, with any pie and beer, burger and beer or hot dog and beer being served.
New and improved kiosks follow feedback from supporters, with Tiffin aiming to deliver quality food, speedy service and reasonable prices.
PLEASE NOTE: Tiffin Stadium Catering kiosks are now ONLY ACCEPTING CARD payment, and have turned completely cashless. Please CLICK HERE for full details.
Refurbished kiosks will be open in Utilita Energy Stadium concourses from 6.00pm today, when turnstiles open.
MATCH OFFICIALS
The encounter will be refereed by Jack Hall, who will be flanked by Luca Caggiano and Gordon Greaves.
The fourth official is set to be Abdul Hakimy.
KIT COLOURS
The Young Bantams will don their white home strip this evening, with Oldham in their traditional blue and white colours.
City: White / Claret / White
Oldham: Blue / White / Blue
To purchase your ticket for tonight's clash, please CLICK HERE.