Ebbsfleet United manager Daryl McMahon is confident his young charges can cause an upset when they take on Gillingham in The FA Youth Cup first round on Tuesday.
McMahon, who includes Leyton Orient and West Ham United among his former clubs, is now first team manager at Ebbsfleet but also oversees the academy alongside coach Gerard Prenderville.
The Fleet’s U18s are unbeaten in the Football Conference Youth Alliance Division B so far this season and a number of the players have been involved with the first team, who play in National League South.
Gillingham v Ebbsfleet United
The FA Youth Cup
First Round Proper
7.45pm, Tuesday 3 November 2015
Priestfield Stadium, Gillingham
By Frank Smith
Click here for fixtures
"The lads are really excited," said McMahon.
"We have had a decent season so far and they are looking forward to going to Gillingham and testing themselves.
"We will show everyone what we are capable of and the boys are looking forward to the experience.
"It will be a good test for them to play at Priestfield Stadium and there should be a decent crowd as well, so it should make it a good cup tie.
"The first team have played there before and a few of the youth team players were involved so they have had experience there but this will be a different game on Tuesday night.
"We are looking to go out there and win. We are a decent side and we will go down and enjoy it. I am confident we can cause an upset."
Gillingham also have a number of players who have played at Priestfield, but boss Mark Patterson has warned that the added pressure of playing at the first-team's home will be a factor.
First-team manager Justin Edinburgh likes to introduce youth players into training on a regular basis and a few have made his squads this season.
But Patterson stressed that The FA Youth Cup remains "a massive part of their development".
"The players all look forward to this competition because of the potential to play on first team pitches against higher level teams that they may otherwise not have the chance to play against," said Patterson, youth team manager and professional development phase coach.
"We look to develop players throughout the season but when it comes to cup competitions, there is only one outcome you are looking for: you want to win.
"We are under no illusions that Tuesday will be difficult because Ebbsfleet have some very good players. They will give us a real test and if we do not perform then we will be in trouble.
"It is a big challenge to play in the big stadiums in The FA Youth Cup. It is a great trophy and a great competition and it will be difficult for the players.
"But I’m hoping on Tuesday that all of the lads from both teams enjoy themselves and they do themselves proud."
