Micky Barron's Youth Team begin their Youth Alliance Cup campaign this weekend when they make the trip to Chester City in Round One (1pm kick-off).

After last weekend's stunning 6-2 thumping of Lincoln City, Barron says the mood in the camp is buoyant and they can't wait to get back in to action.

"The lads are really excited," he commented.

"The victory last week was very good but it was the nature of the performance that really pleased me the most.

"If we can take that type of display in to this weekend's fixture then we should be do alright and it would be nice to have another run in this competition."

Last season Pools youngsters made it all the way to the Final of the Youth Alliance Cup only to be narrowly beaten by a very talented Hull City side at Victoria Park.

But Barron says that if they can make it two wins in a row by getting past Chester on Saturday then that will have a positive impact on their league campaign too.

"I think confidence is a big thing, especially with younger players.

"One day they can be up and the next day they will be down so it's just about building that confidence and good cup run will help us do that."

The Coach is having to delay the naming of his squad for the weekend's tie due to a spate of injury and illness hampering the plans.

Marc Ellison, Grant Herbert and Anthony Wakefield are all injured, while several other members of the squad - as well as Barron himself - have been laid low by a flu bug.

"At the moment we're thin on the ground but we'll just have to wait and see what the position is come Saturday," he revealed.

The game at Deeside Lane (CH1 6BX) kicks-off at 1pm on Saturday and we'll bring you the result as soon as possible after the final whistle.

Centre of Excellence

The Under 13s and Under 15s are at home to Scarborough on Sunday with their games kicking-off at 11am at Manor College.

The Under 9s and Under 11s are also at Manor College, though they are playing host to their counterparts from Darlington at 11am.

The Under 12s, 14s and 16s are all away at Scarborough where they'll also kick-off at 11am at Pinder Leisure Centre on Moor Lane.

Meanwhile, the Under 10s travel to face Darlington at 11am with their game taking place at Longfield School on Longfield Road.