Although local soccer excitement is building over the three big home FA Cup final qualifying round ties involving Billericay Town, Canvey Island and Grays Athletic at the weekend, more immediate spotlight is on the youngsters of the area.

Both Canvey and Southend Manor create their own little bit of history in the FA Youth Cup first round proper when the teenagers host Nationwide League opposition for the first time in their history over the next two days.

The excitement began at Park Lane last night (Wednesday) when Wycombe Wanderers visited.

The Islanders are rightly proud of what their young stars of tomorrow have achieved and are treating the game as if it was a senior first team affair - including providing a match programme.

Canvey's first team coach Glenn Pennyfather also puts the under-18s through their paces and said: "They've done fantastically well to reach this stage with away wins at Braintree, Bedford Town and Chesham United.

"The great thing is that, with one exception, the squad have only just left school and will be young enough to still represent the club in the Youth Cup again next term. I really hope our fans will get out in big numbers and back them tonight now they are at last at home - they certainly deserve it."

Southend Manor are also basically a team in their first year at youth level and have also had to wear their travelling boots in this competition.

Tomorrow's (Thursday's) visit to Swindon Town will see them having completed round trips totalling over 700 miles in the AXA sponsored Youth Cup in four away games.

Youth Cup ties must finish on the night with extra-time and penalties being the order of the day if there is no result after 90 minutes in the first game.

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