New College Academy will take a step into the unknown tonight as they play their first-ever FA Youth Cup tie.

The College, who also have a first team playing in Hellenic League Division One West, travel to Gloucester City in the first qualifying round.

And with the Tigers first team playing in Conference North, academy director Ian Howell knows just how tough it is going to be for his youngsters.

“Gloucester are a well established side, they have always got players going from the youth set-up into their first team,” Howell said.

“They have got the experience, while we are going there with a predominantly under 17s squad in an under 18s competition.”

Gloucester’s first team play their home matches at League Two side Cheltenham Town, however, Ken Blackburn’s youth side play at Tuffley Rovers - a league rival of New College’s first team.

Howell, who also works with the youth set-up at Premier League giants Chelsea, says that tonight will be a big moment for all involved.

“It is the biggest youth competition there is,” Howell said. “During my time at Chelsea they have been involved with five finals.

“It is also something that the boys will be able to put on their CV.”

In the Hellenic League Premier Division this evening, Wootton Bassett Town welcome leaders Highmoor Ibis to the Corinium Stadium.

Meanwhile, last night Highworth Town missed the chance to go top of the Premier Division as they lost 1-0 to Binfield.

Shrivenham on the other hand were involved in a thriller but Sam Collier’s men went down 4-3 at Thame United.