Poignant FA Youth Cup tie for Carlisle United and Barnsley

By Jon Colman @joncolman Sports Reporter

Carlisle United take on Barnsley in next week's FA Youth Cup, months after the passing of legendary coach David Wilkes, left, who had close connections with both clubs. Top right, Romeo Park is among the Under-18 players likely to feature for United (Image: Barnsley FC / Barbara Abbott / PA)

The FA Youth Cup has thrown up a poignant first round tie for Carlisle United.

The young Blues will take on Barnsley in the competition next week.

And the draw has placed together two of the former clubs of much-missed United youth coach David Wilkes, who died earlier this year.

Wilkes came through the youth ranks as a player at the Yorkshire club before going on to establish a much-admired and long-serving coaching reputation in Carlisle's youth set-up.

Some four months after his passing aged 59, his former teams will go head to head in youth football's top knockout competition next Tuesday, October 31.

Mark Birch's Carlisle Under-18s will host Barnsley at Brunton Park with a 6pm kick-off.

United are opening B Stand for supporters, with entry £3 for over-18s and £2 for under-18s.

Tickets can be bought online or from the west side ticket office from 5pm on matchday.

The Glass Bar at Brunton Park will be open ahead of kick-off.