On a chilly December evening the young Blues oozed class, and goals from Thierry Ambrose, Brandon Barker, Jorge Intima and Kean Bryan made for a comfortable victory with a scoreline that did not flatter City in the slightest.
A home tie with Bournemouth or Hereford United awaited the victors of this clash, and City were eager to progress in the competition they last won in 2008.
Although several younger members of the EDS remain eligible to play in this prestigious competition, Jason Wilcox kept faith with the young side which has sailed to the top of the u18 Premier League.
The boy Blues have won the last eight games on the trot and were looking to replicate a dazzling scoring record of 20 goals in the last five fixtures.
...City u18s v Doncaster...
Jack Byrne, James Horsfield and Kean Bryan formed a strong axis in the centre of the park, while the in-form Ambrose was a familiar face up front.
Jorge Intima started on the right wing, aiming to get on the scoresheet for the fifth match in a row, while the back line remained unchanged from last weekend’s dramatic victory over Liverpool. Mathias Bossaerts partnered Tosin Adarabioyo in the centre of defence, while Angus Gunn took his place between the sticks.
City came bursting out of the blocks, and Ambrose had his first shot within a minute of kick off – blasting high over the bar after Intima’s cross fell to him at the edge of the area, while Bryan’s effort was deflected over minutes later.
The visitors soaked up the early pressure and were well-organised in defence, but City remained dominant in possession and territory, while Doncaster were unable to mount a serious attack to test Gunn.
Wilcox’s young charges refused to be daunted by the physical approach of their opponents and finally found a deserved opening just as the half hour mark approached. Doncaster were unable to clear a dangerous Byrne free-kick and as the ball bounced around the box Ambrose was quickest to react, smashing the ball home from close range.
Sensing an opportunity to put the visitors to the sword, the Blues poured forward in numbers. Bryan had a shot blocked before Barker doubled the lead on 36 minutes, running onto a delightful though-ball from Bryan and finishing accurately into the far corner.
Showing no hint of respite, they might have had a third before the break. Ambrose turned Intima’s pinpoint cross over the bar under pressure from the defender, while the winger might have added to his own tally but saw his header deflected agonisingly wide of the post.
City began the second period as they ended the first, and Angelino was unlucky not to extend the lead within a minute, hitting the ball just wide on the volley. Meanwhile, Harry Burgoyne in the visitors’ goal got down well to deny Ambrose after Intima had shrugged off the attentions of two defenders.
Intima had a volleyed effort cleared off the line before finally finding the goal his performance deserved in the 65th minute. Doncaster were enjoying their best spell of the game when Ambrose broke from a Rovers corner to knock the ball forward, and the Portuguese winger did the rest, running from the halfway line before tucking the ball past Burgoyne.
Pablo Maffeo and Denzeil Boadu entered the fray with just under 20 minutes to go and the latter was involved instantly, twisting and turning past challenges to feed Bersant Celina, who was thwarted by Burgoyne.
The game was long since over as a contest by the time Bryan added a fourth with a stunning left-footed drive from 25 yards out which flew in the top corner and left the keeper with no chance.
Gunn was finally called into action just minutes later, making a magnificent stop from Paul McKay to preserve City’s clean sheet.
Intima crashed a header onto the post late on as the Blues went for a fifth but it was not to be.
City saw out the game comfortably and can look forward with confidence to a fourth round clash with Hereford United who overcame Bournemouth on penalties in the night’s other tie.
