First half goals from Alpha Diounkou and Lewis Fiorini, plus a second half hat-trick from Henri Ogunby and another from D’Margio Wright-Phillips saw the Blues cruise through their opening Under-18 Premier League opener.
What happened
Gareth Taylor fielded a young but confident side against the Magpies. Louis Moulden took his place in goal shielded by a back four of on Alpha Diounkou, Taylor Harwood-Bellis, Tom Midgely and Yeboah Amankwah. Captain Rowan McDonald took up his defensive midfield role alongside Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and Lewis Fiorini, while Keke Simmonds and D’Margio Wright-Phillips flanked Henri Ogunby up front.
After recently returning from a 10-day training camp in Croatia, the Under-18s were brimming with confidence and excitement as they stepped onto the pitch to face Newcastle United – a side they both won and lost to last season.
The Blues were out at a canter, with Fiorini, Simmonds and Ogunby all searching for the opening goal.
The first, however, came after eight minutes from Alpha Diounkou – who seemed more surprised than anyone at giving City the lead. The right-back fired a curling cross towards the far corner of Dan Langley’s net and the Newcastle ‘keeper’s fingertips just managed to reach the attempt, but he ended up helping the ball into the goal instead.
It was a sign of things to come. Simmonds provided continuous threat down the left side, which the Magpies struggled to keep up with. He worked tirelessly to drive forward throughout the first half and was unlucky not to gain an assist or goal.
We doubled our lead on 23 minutes in style. D’Margio Wright-Phillips weaved around the Toon defence before finding Fiorini with an exceptional cross. Fiorini launched into the air and headed home past Langley to deservedly write his name on the scoresheet.
Just seconds after the second half began we bagged our third goal of the match. D’Margio Wright-Phillips – who had been rapid throughout – appeared in the perfect position to tap in from close-range. Newcastle were flagging and evidentially tiring, whereas each goal gave City a new burst of energy.
City’s fourth was scored just minutes later. McDonald’s initial shot was blocked but Ogunby was ready to pounce on the rebound and coolly slot his volley into the far corner.
The forward bagged his second goal just moments later when he managed to find space in an incredibly crowded box to strike again from close-range.
Henri deservedly secured his hat-trick in the 74th minute, with a similar goal to his other two – slick and driven into the bottom corner from just a few feet.
What it means
City secure three points and a healthy goal difference in the Under-18 Premier League to start the season strongly.
Up next
Gareth Taylor’s side now have a week of training before travelling to Blackburn for their next U18 Premier League fixture on Saturday 18 August, kick-off at 11am (BST).
