Manchester City have been knocked-out of the FA Youth Cup after losing 6-5 on penalties to Plymouth Argyle.
After 90 minutes, plus half an hour of extra time, the game resulted in a penalty shoot out and the victory was clinched by the home side.
What happened
The first half remained goalless for both sides with only a few moments worth noting.
Just five minutes into the game and Ed Francis was called to action as Billy Craske came bounding towards him. Francis kicked away the first attempt, but after Craske collected the deflected ball and tried once again the City star blocked it with his face. A superb effort, but it looked painful!
City didn’t have many clear-cut chances early on, but Benjamin Garre was a dangerous outlet, however, on a few occasions there wasn’t anyone in the box to collect his pass and it went to waste.
Ian Poveda replaced Tyreke Wilson in the break and he made an instant impact – but the home side continue to hold on strong throughout the second period.
Simon Davies’ side enjoyed much of the possession in both halves, but the Blues were unable to convert.
In the 69th minute, it looked as though the visitors had taken the lead as Plymouth’s Harry Downing headed past Curtis Anderson, however Poveda was there and waiting.
The game grew more tense, especially as City had three clear-cut chances which were expertly saved by the Plymouth ‘keeper. Efforts from substitution Felix Nmecha, Iker Pozo and Rabbi Matondo looked likely to win the game for Davies’ side, but it went to extra time.
City looked incredibly hungry for the winning goal to prevent penalties. However, little action in the 30 minutes of extra time meant that all eyes were on Anderson and Cooper in goal.
As it went to penalties Matondo was first up and netted the first penalty of the shoot out, Francis, Smith, Dele-Bashiru, Anderson were also successful. Unfortunately Felix Nmecha’s effort went just wide while Poveda’s effort was saved.
For the home side, Anderson saved Luke Jephcott’s strike from the spot but Ryan Law, Klaidi Lolos, Cameron Sangster, Adam Rendell, skipper Harry Downing, and Michael Peck were able to secure a penalty each.
The 6-5 result on penalties meant that City unfortunately will not be progressing into the fourth round.
How they lined up
Curtis Anderson took his place in goal, with a back four of Eric Garcia, captain Joel Latibeaudiere, Ed Francis and Tyreke Wilson.
Matt Smith took his defensive midfield role, with Iker Pozo and Tom Dele-Bashiru alongside him.
Benjamin Garre and Rabbi Matondo flanked Nabil Touaizi up front.
Up next
The Under 18s return to League action on Saturday 16 December against West Bromwich Albion away, kick-off at 11.30pm, while the EDS travel down south to face Chelsea on Tuesday 19 December at 7.05pm in the Premier League 2.
