FA Youth Cup Returns to Crown Meadow

Lowestoft Town U18s continue their FA Youth Cup journey on Wednesday evening as Haverhill Rovers U18s visit Crown Meadow in the First Qualifying Round. After a dramatic victory in the previous round, the Young Blues will be looking to produce another memorable performance under the lights and secure their place in the Second Qualifying Round.

Fixture: Lowestoft Town U18s vs Haverhill Rovers U18s
Competition: FA Youth Cup First Qualifying Round
Date: Wednesday 16 September 2026
Kick-off: 7:45pm
Venue: Crown Meadow
Admission: Adults £4 | Under-16s £1

The Journey So Far

Lowestoft began their FA Youth Cup campaign with a thrilling 3–2 victory over Downham Town at Crown Meadow. The Young Blues twice came from behind during a difficult contest. Logan Longmore equalised early in the first half before Gabriel Hind produced an excellent strike to make it 2–2 with 10 minutes remaining. With the tie appearing destined for extra time, Callum Lake delivered a looping corner into the penalty area during stoppage time. Substitute Dexter Lee attacked the ball at the front post and powered his header into the net, sparking scenes of jubilation among the players, staff and supporters. The character and persistence demonstrated that evening will be required again as the group prepares to face Haverhill.

Confidence Within the Group

The players enter Wednesday’s fixture with confidence following an excellent start to the competitive campaign. Several members of the U18 group were involved as Lowestoft Town U19s opened their National League U19 Alliance season with a record-breaking 9–2 victory away at Barking. The result provided a clear demonstration of the attacking quality within the programme, but attention has now fully turned towards the different challenge presented by knockout football. The players have been working together throughout their full-time football programme at Access Sport College, using training and opposition analysis to prepare for Wednesday’s contest.

Another Important Opportunity

The FA Youth Cup is the biggest cup competition in U18 football and provides young players with an opportunity to represent their club on a national stage. For the Young Blues, Wednesday presents another chance to showcase their ability, represent the town and continue progressing through the competition. Haverhill Rovers will arrive determined to bring Lowestoft’s journey to an end, and the players understand that another focused and committed performance will be required from the opening whistle. Victory would take Lowestoft into the Second Qualifying Round and move the group another step closer to the competition’s main stages.

Your Support Matters

An attendance of 126 helped create a fantastic atmosphere during the victory over Downham, with the support from around Crown Meadow playing an important role during the dramatic closing stages. The players and staff will need the town behind them once again on Wednesday evening. Come along, support the next generation of Young Trawlerboys and help create another special FA Youth Cup night under the lights.

Match Sponsor

We are delighted to welcome back Gary Bennett and Lauren Lou Storage Facilities as the official sponsor of Wednesday’s fixture. Based in Lowestoft, Lauren Lou Storage Facilities provides secure, dry and reliable self-storage solutions for both personal and business needs. We would like to thank Gary and the company for their continued support of our young players and the Lowestoft Town Scholarship Programme.

Lowestoft Town U18s vs Haverhill Rovers U18s
Wednesday 16 September | 7:45pm | Crown Meadow
Adults £4 | Under-16s £1

One town. One club. One more step to take.