Manchester City’s Under-18s went five points clear at the top of the U18 Premier League North table after a 2-1 victory over third-placed Blackburn Rovers.

The Young Blues came bursting out of the traps in the first half, and our domination was rewarded as Adedire Mebude struck first to give us the lead.

Our second half performance mirrored the first, and we doubled our advantage as Mebude secured his brace.

Though Blackburn narrowed the deficit four minutes later through Harry Leonard City were able to hang on to claim another vital win.

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STAR OF THE SHOW: Adedire Mebude celebrates his opener
STAR OF THE SHOW: Adedire Mebude celebrates his opener

WHAT HAPPENED

Ben Wilkinson’s side travelled up to Blackburn feeling refreshed after our last game against Burnley was postponed due to Storm Eunice.

The first half reflected that positive mindset as we put Blackburn under pressure and dominated most of the ball trying to find a way past Rovers’ keeper, Felix Goddard.

And on 37 minutes we got our just-reward, after Josh Adam assisted Adedire Mubude who struck to put us ahead in the top of the table clash.

Our impressive form continued after the interval, with City controlling the game and pushing the hosts back.

HIGH INTENSITY: Our Young Blues pressing for the ball back
HIGH INTENSITY: Our Young Blues pressing for the ball back

Again, our pressure prevailed, as Mebude grabbed his brace on 72 minutes with an unusual assist that came from City goalkeeper, George Murray-Jones to double our advantage going into the last 15 minutes of the game.

After a lack of concentration, we allowed Blackburn back into the game with a goal from Harry Leonard reducing our lead.

However, we managed to professionally see the game out to make it six successive wins in the league and step up our bid for back to back league titles.

WATCHING BRIEF: Ben Wilkinson and the City coaches look on
WATCHING BRIEF: Ben Wilkinson and the City coaches look on

HOW WE LINED UP

Ben Wilkinson stuck with George Murray-Jones between the sticks with a back four of Tom Galvez, Max Alleyne, Mo Susoho and skipper Rico Lewis protecting him.

Kian Breckin and Josh Adam sat in front of the defence with Dire Mebude, Nico O’Reilly and Liam Smith playing ahead in a three behind sole striker Will Dickson.

WHAT IT MEANS

With City making it six wins out of six, it means we sit top of the table with a five-point cushion on second placed Liverpool.

UP NEXT

Our Under-18s will be back in action next Saturday as we travel across Manchester to face city rivals Manchester United in an eagerly-anticipated derby.

Kick off is set for 11:00am (UK).