City kids set for Bowl clash
Grecians boss Paul Tisdale is not likely to risk any of his first team squad and will turn to the club's young guns to try and reclaim the trophy.
City overcame Tiverton Town in the final at Ladysmead last season and were given a bye in the first round of this season's competition. City's head of youth Simon Hayward admits tonight provides a good opportunity for his troops to compete against older players.
"It is a competition that almost became a youth team competition last year with a sprinkling of pros," he said.
"But for the most part it was the under-18s and it was a good experience for them.
"Last year we beat Plymouth Parkway and Elmore before winning the final against Tiverton.
"For our youth team to be competing and winning at men's semi-pro level is a really good sign. We feel this year we have got a stronger crop of under-18s than we did last year and we are looking forward to trying to defend this trophy.
"It won't be easy but it is a good learning curve for them go from Saturday morning youth team football to an environment where they are going to lose physically. It means we will have to better, cleverer, quicker and sharper. It is a good challenge for them. I am sure Ilfracombe will provide a good challenge and we are looking forward to it."
Roger Ingham, Paul Gibbins and Jake Viney are all injury doubts for the trip to Marlborough Park.
