Tuesday, March 10, 2015

Boro Under-18s ready to tackle the Premier League's elite in eight-team play-off league


Boro’s Under-18s face difficult trips to Everton, Chelsea and Manchester City as they bid to become national champions.


Craig Liddle’s side were recently crowned champions of the Barclays Under-18 League Northern Division, rounding off the campaign with a 2-0 win over Manchester United on Saturday.


Now the youngsters enter an eight-club play-off league made up of the top four from both the Northern and Southern divisions.


Every team plays each other once, with the league winner going on to compete in a European competition next season.


Yesterday the fixtures were announced, with Boro rewarded for topping the table with four home matches.


The action gets underway on Saturday as Boro travel to Everton, before home matches against Tottenham and West Brom on the following two weekends.


Boro's Alex Pattison on the ball Boro's Alex Pattison on the ball


Boro then head to Chelsea on Saturday, April 11, before hosting Aston Villa seven days later.


The league sees Boro return to Manchester City on Saturday, May 2, before ending with a home match against Man United on Saturday, May 9.


After winning the Northern Division, Liddle admitted the youngsters have been a credit to the club this season.


“When you think of the investment made by Manchester City, Man Utd, Liverpool, Everton and Blackburn, we can be really proud of our achievements,” Liddle told the club’s website.


“Obviously at this level it’s about developing them as players and the long-term aim is to get them in the first team. But at this moment in time, to win the league is a fantastic achievement.


“This next stage will not faze our group at all. If anything it will make them even better. This is a great achievement and it is down to a lot of people who have put in a lot of hard work.”



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