Workington Reds U18s boss Steven Rudd believes a strong run in the FA Youth Cup will benefit the first team in the long run.
The young Reds side eased their way through the first qualifying round after hammering Hebburn Town 13-0 away from home last week.
The U18s face a tricky tie in the second qualifying round when they host Altrincham at Borough Park on Thursday, October 8 (7.30pm ko).
Rudd thinks that a run in the competition will give his young charges valuable experience when they make the step to the first team.
He said: "Once they gain experience playing in these types of competitions it will stand them in good stead going into the first team.
"Competition football is different, it puts them under a different pressure.
"We have got Altrincham. They are a really good side and have a good setup."
Meanwhile, Workington Reds Ladies lost their third successive home game when they went down 4-1 to CMB Ladies on Sunday.
Megan Murdock scored the Ladies' only goal.
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