Academy. Huntley seeking Senior Cup semi-final spot

James Huntley (Northumberland Senior Cup)
Published
19 Nov 24
Team
U21

James Huntley is hopeful Newcastle United Under-21s can retain their Northumberland Senior Cup ahead of Wednesday's quarter-final tie against Alnwick Town (kick-off 7.30pm GMT).

United's second-string, who won the trophy for a 40th time last term and their first since 2018, received a bye into the last-eight of the competition and will host the Northern League Division Two outfit at Whitley Park.

Huntley, who was named on the bench for United's 1-1 away draw against Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League last term, is determined for the squad to repeat last season's heroics but is aware of the threat his senior opponents could pose.

The Ashington-born midfielder told newcastleunited.com: "We need to try and emulate what we did last year by winning the cup again so, starting with Alnwick on Wednesday, it will be a good game and challenge for us.

"I think a lot of these games are different to what we normally play. We're used to the ball on the floor and the teams in the lower leagues tend to play a lot of long ball and it'll be a challenge to deal with the physicality of it.

"Pressure is always a good thing because it means people expect highly of us and to win so we need to go and deliver on Wednesday night. Winning the competition is a target, as a group, we need to set for ourselves."

Newcastle's youngsters target a third successive win across all competitions after a 3-1 away win against Leeds United in the Premier League 2 before continuing their unbeaten start in the National League Cup with a penalty shoot-out victory against Tamworth following a 1-1 away draw.

Huntley, who joined his boyhood club's youth set-up as an eight-year-old, reflected positively on the young Magpies' recent results of late and is aiming to take each moment that is presented to him in Diarmuid O'Carroll's side.

"As a team, it's been a really good start to the season," the 20-year-old central midfielder added. "We've been picking up quite a lot of points and have made improvements from last season.

"Personally, it's been a challenge being in and out of the team but I think it's one that's realistic as there'll always be a big squad in football and you always need to try and work your way in to get into the team.

"Everytime you step out onto the pitch, it's an opportunity to show someone what you're worth and that will be there on Wednesday for myself and the lads to take."

Admission for Newcastle United Under-21s' Newcastle Flooring Northumberland Senior Cup quarter-final tie against Alnwick Town on Wednesday, 20th November is free for season ticket holders, otherwise it's £3 for adults and £1 concessions. Please note the cup clash at Whitley Park will not be streamed on the official Newcastle United App.

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