Leeds United begin their defence of the National League Cup with a trip to the Jakemans Community Stadium to face Boston United on Tuesday evening.
The Whites go into the tie as reigning champions of the competition having lifted the trophy following a superb victory over Sutton United in the previous campaign’s final.
The two teams met in the group stage last season with Scott Gardner’s side coming out on top in a seven-goal thriller in Lincolnshire.
Harvey Vincent and Alfie Cresswell were on target for United in a 4-3 victory, beginning the run that would eventually conclude with silverware.
This time round, the Pilgrims are certain to offer a stern test under boss Graham Coughlan. After taking over the reins in November, the Irishman guided his new team to a remarkable run of form that saw Boston beat the drop and remain in the fifth tier.
The Enterprise National League outfit have already began their campaign in the competition, fighting back to beat Middlesbrough U21s 2-1 last weekend.
Alongside Boston, the young Whites will face Scunthorpe United, FC Halifax Town and Gateshead in Group D.
Action from the Jakemans Community Stadium gets underway at 7pm.
We've met before:
Ticket information:
Tickets for the encounter are priced at £10 for adults, £5 for concessions and £1 for Under-16s. Please note that only the Acorn Taxis Stand (West) will be open. Leeds supporters are encouraged to purchase tickets in Block A.
Admission for the Wheelchair Area and hospitality packages can also be purchased below. Parking can be added HERE.
Thoughts from inside camp:
Ahead of the match, Whites boss Gardner previewed the clash:
“We have had a good break and we are ready to get back into the competitive games. We have got a busy schedule coming up and Tuesday will be really challenging game and a game with real meaning for us. It is the first one back so we are excited for it.
“What happened last season was fantastic but we have moved on. It is more the element, again, of playing senior opposition and testing our players against that level.
“It is where we need to be but we will have a little bit more of a target on our backs. Like I say, we are not too focused on the past. We are looking very much forward to the future.
“Boston will be a different test than when we played them last year with a different manager and they finished the season really strongly. It will be a real good gauge of where we are at for the first game. We are excited for it.”
How to follow:
Subscribers to LUTV can watch the full match live. Highlights and post-match reaction will also be available after the full-time whistle.
