It may be the biggest game in the history of Brantham Athletic's Under 18s, but such is the players' single-minded determination, there will be nothing special in the pre-match preparation.

The young Imps take on Stevenage FC's academy side in the First Round Proper of the FA Youth Cup at Brantham Leisure Centre tomorrow night (Wednesday, November 3) having reached this stage for the first time in the club's history.

Despite the achievement, the players are determined to stay grounded, which has not surprised their manager Dan Hart in the slightest after words of wisdom from coaches Gary Pratt and Steve Carpenter, who have worked with a number of the lads from aged seven and know the players inside out.

"We asked the players if they wanted to do anything special, like a pre-match meal anything like that, but they said no," revealed Dan. "They are a brilliant bunch and that just shows how grounded they are.

"I was told when I first came in that I would never have a problem motivating them

"We have beaten some good teams but it has been difficult with so many players unavailable for various reasons at different times, so it has been tough but really enjoyable."

Dan, who works for Axa as a day job, has utilised Brantham's extensive youth system with players from their Easter Junior Alliance (EJA) squad, under 18s and pulling in some as young as 15 to complete the winning squad.

No surprise though he is expecting no problems with availability on Wednesday against the side from the Youth Alliance League, whose first team play in League Two.

With motivation sorted, team selection pretty much decided, Dan's job now is pretty much about tactics and he was giving nothing away ahead of the match, other than espousing an attacking philosophy.

"We tend to mix it up," said Dan. "I want it played on the deck as much as possible but there are times when you can't do that so you have to mix it up.

"We have players capable of pinging the ball all over the pitch far better than I ever could. We have willing chasers up top wanting to work for the ball.

"There is one lad Aiden Carpenter up top who I cannot praise enough for working as hard as he does, All of them will work their socks off but Aiden is quite often up front on hs own but he never stops working and closing down for the team."

Aiden is one of four players who have progressed to the first team squad with Max Long, Zachary Elseidy and Tom Lawson getting contracts with Michael Brothers' Thurlow Nunn Premier squad.

Dan is delighted so may of his under 18s have pushed into the first team and added: "That first team experience is vital. I remember as a 15-year-old getting in to a first team then coming back to my own level you are a couple of yards more advanced of team.

On elf the most eye-catching to progress is Zac Elseidy who has even got a goal at the top level under his belt.

"Zac is one of the most skilful 17-years-old I can remember seeing," said Dan. "His touch is brilliant, his vision is great and because he has been playing with Aiden for so long they read each other brilliantly."

Dan believes Brantham supporters will be pleasantly surprised at the quality of players, who will be tested against the professional club's academy.

He said: "Others like Ted Johnson, a centre half was with Ipswich Town Community Trust and was with me in the Suffolk county side, along with Noah Harewood. There is also Alfie Eldridge, he does body swerves and I still fall for them on the sidelines, even though I know he is going to do them."

It has been a good start in his first season as the Under 18s manager, but Dan was quick to praise his assistant Gary and fellow coaches Steve and goalkeeper coach Phil Morrow.

He said: "It is my first season involved at this level so it is great to have played my part, but it is not just me. The other coaches have been brilliant .they know many of the lads and I have brought in another nine so we are getting even better."

The Imps go into the cup tie on the back of a nine game unbeaten run and just as the players want to stick to their normal routine, so Dan and Gary plan to maintain their pre-match superstitions so as not to tempt fate.

Dan said: "We will wear our lucky socks. As a player I was very superstitious as a player, Gary is same. It is silly really and we know it doesn't make blind bit of difference but we will do it anyway."

*The FA Youth Cup first round proper tie kicks off at 7.45pm on Wednesday, November 3 at Brantham Leisure Centre ground.

Tickets are available on the night and cost £4 for adults and £2 for concessions.