The date for Preston North End U18s' clash with Sunderland has been set. with the two teams will facing each other on Wednesday 13th January 7pm at the Stadium of Light.

North End's youth team managed an impressive 2-1 victory against Manchester City at Deepdale in the last round of the competition and they have now been handed another academy team in the next round. This is another tough fixture for the Lilywhites who will now take on a Sunderland side that are top of their league.

Youth team manager Jamie Hoyland is no stranger to their academy side though as his youth teams have taken on Sunderland twice in the past three seasons.

Last season, North End saw their cup run ended last season as the Lilywhites' youngsters just lost out to Sunderland in extra time at Deepdale. Also in 2006, Hoyland's side came close to beating the Black Cats at the Stadium of Light but just lost 3-2, despite being 2-0 down at half time.

Hoyland is pleased that his side have been handed another difficult test in Sunderland. He told pne.com:

"It's amazing really. Obviously the first year we played them up there, then we missed them in the second year, the third year we played them and went out just after Christmas at Deepdale and now we have drawn them again in the fourth round.

"We've been checking how teams have been doing and Sunderland are doing very well this season. They are top of their league and it's going to be another mammoth task for us to get through but it is one we're looking forward to and the players are very excited about it.

"With Kevin Ball in charge of them, they will be well organised, a good footballing side and certainly with Bally in charge they will have the desire to win like we have, so it will be a very tough game."

Hoyland is relishing the chance to play at Sunderland again and believes that this will be a great experience for his current crop of North End youngsters.

"We know that if we are going to get as far as we can in this competition then we are going to have to play good sides and it's great for us and for the players who will be playing against another good academy side. So I'm pleased that we got another academy side and we'll give it our best shot.

"Last year's game was very close, it went to extra time and even the one in our first year when we played at the Stadium of Light that was quite a close game. They're going to be well organised and will be a very good side under Kevin Ball so we're going to have to be at our best to give ourselves any chance.

"This group of players wouldn't have seen the Stadium of Light so it is brilliant that they can go up and experience that ground and to play on it. Just to play in a stadium like the Stadium of Light will be a great experience and hopefully a happy one for them at the end of it."

Ticket prices are £3 adults and £1 for over 65s and under 16s, payable in cash on the turnstiles on the night. PNE will be running a coach to the Stadium of Light and will announce further details shortly.