Any goal in a derby is a good one, but fine strikes from Felix Nmecha and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru made our win over Manchester United just that bit sweeter.
Goals either side of half-time ensured we booked our place in final in style, where we will face Middlesbrough on Saturday 9 March.
What happened
It was a tense start to the semi-final, with that derby day feeling swirling around the City Football Academy.
From the off, the two sides cancelled each other out – appearing evenly matched in every area possible.
Then, from what appeared out of nowhere, we broke deadlock in the 17th minute with Felix Nmecha‘s superb 30-yard strike. Tommy Doyle offloaded to the midfielder and, with plenty of space, he fired the ball into the bottom corner in one swift movement, leaving James Thompson no chance of making a save.
The goal gave us a much-needed confidence boost, and Gareth Taylor’s young Blues seemed to click immediately into action – driving forward, creating chances and looking calm and controlled on the ball.
Our closest chance of doubling our lead in the first 45 came just moments before the half-time whistle when Henri Ogunby charged forward before being forced to make a shot by the persistent United back-line. It was a brilliant effort, and Ogunby was unlucky to see his attempt sail over the crossbar.
Returning from the break, it was evident that City weren’t content with just the one goal.
It was Fisayo Dele-Bashiru who doubled our lead close to the hour mark with an unbelievable finish. The midfielder sent a curling effort from the edge of the box which cannoned off the inside of the post and rattled into the back of the net in dazzling fashion.
Despite our two goals, United certainly looked sharper in the second half, testing Louie Moulden on a number of occasions.
But looking to finish off a successful morning at the CFA, Nmecha bagged his second - and City’s third - in unbelievable fashion. On the edge of box the 18-year-old paused and unleashed a thunderous shot to seal a place in the final.
How we lined up
Louie Moulden took his place in goal, shielded by a back four of skipper Rowan McDonald, Taylor Harwood-Bellis, Yeboah Amankwah and Sammy Robinson.
Tommy Doyle, Felix Nmecha and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru made up our midfield, while Henri Ogunby and D’Margio Wright-Phillips flanked Ben Knight up front.
