International Academy Double Header Preview: Future Pro U23 & Macclesfield FC

South Shields International Academy sides face two tough tests this week as Central travel to face Future Pro U23, while the North side head to the Leasing.com Arena to take on Macclesfield FC International U23 in the NFYL League Cup Quarter Final.

Future Pro U23 vs South Shields International Academy Central

South Shields International Academy Central travel to the Rugby Borough Sports Trust to face Future Pro Academy U23.

Future Pro come into the game following a strong run of form throughout February, picking up victories over Tamworth FC Academy and Steven Gerrard Academy U23. They currently sit third in the table on 29 points and still have three games in hand on the teams above them.

One player to watch will be Damian Kelly. The striker has scored 13 goals in 13 appearances this season and currently leads the league’s scoring charts.

The previous meeting between the sides ended in a walkover, meaning this will be the first competitive meeting on the pitch between the two teams this season.

For the Mariners, the fixture presents another tough challenge as they look to return to form after three games without a win. A positive result would help South Shields move further away from the bottom of the table.

Kick-off is scheduled for 2pm at the Rugby Borough Sports Trust.

Macclesfield FC International U23 vs South Shields International Academy North

South Shields International Academy North travel to the Leasing.com Arena to face Macclesfield FC International U23 in the NFYL League Cup Quarter Final.

Macclesfield currently sit top of the Northern Division and enter the game in excellent form. They are unbeaten in their last 11 matches and have scored 42 goals during that run. With a goal difference of +42 and the fewest goals conceded in the league, they will provide a serious test for the Mariners.

Zannone Salvatore will be a key player to watch for the hosts. The forward has scored 10 goals in his last 13 appearances, while Ejinreh Casimir has also been influential with seven goals this season.

South Shields will be hoping to build on their recent momentum after an exciting 4–3 comeback victory over IDA Sheffield U23s. They also secured their place in the quarter finals with an impressive win over i2i Leeds U23 Leeds Central.

The Mariners will see this as a great opportunity to test themselves against one of the strongest sides in the league as they look to book their place in the semi finals.

Kick-off is scheduled for 1pm at the Leasing.com Arena.