City's EDS secure historic third straight PL2 crown with Blackburn triumph

A second half brace from leading scorer Carlos Borges allied to a first half Dire Mebude penalty were enough to secure the win in East Lancashire that guaranteed us the crown.

It’s a third consecutive PL2 success for the City youngsters and an achievement that has seen Brian Barry-Murphy’s exciting young side enter the record books by becoming the first side to win three consecutive titles at this level.

Needing victory at the County Ground, Leyland to secure the crown, fittingly City achieved the feat by exhibiting the brand of swashbuckling, vibrant attacking football that has again been the hallmark of our collective success this term.

Leading PL2 scorer Borges took his own tally for the season to 20 with all of Barry-Murphy’s once again illustrating their supreme collective talent and technique on another afternoon to remember.

What happened

City stepped out the County Ground, Leyland knowing three points would clinch the crown.

And we soon got into our trademark rhythm, dominating territory and possession as we sought an early breakthrough.

Australian midfielder Alex Robertson fired in a dangerous 12th minute shot which fizzed past just the wrong side of the post.

Another swift move then saw top scorer Borges come within ace of the breakthrough, the Portuguese winger firing over from 15 yards after a superb one-two with Micah Hamilton had unlocked the Rovers defence.

City were not to be denied however and our pressure finally gained its reward on 29 minutes when Dire Mebude broke the deadlock from the penalty spot.

The spot kick was awarded Oscar Bobb had been felled in the area by Clinton Mola and Scottish Under-21 international Mebude made no mistake from the spot, lashing home into the top left corner for his 11th league goal of the season.

It wasn’t all one-way traffic though and there was a huge scare on the stroke of half-time when a misplaced pass from keeper Cieran Slicker saw Charlie Weston offered a shot at goal.

Fortunately for City, the Rovers man blazed his effort over from just outside the box.

Four minutes after the restart Mebude had the chance to double his and City’s advantage but could only fire over after some sublime movement by Bobb put Borges in space on the left wing overlap.

City weren’t to be denied though and on 53 minutes the all-important second goal duly arrived from leading scorer Borges.

Mebude was the architect this time, drilling in a low cross which Borges rifled home from close range for his 19th goal of a memorable PL2 campaign.

With City in full majestic flight, only a fine low save from Rovers keeper Eastham then denied Micah Hamilton as City piled on the pressure.

And that man Borges was at it once again on 61 minutes as he doubled his own tally for the afternoon and made it 20 for the season in the league.

Another sumptuous run and pass from Bobb had put the Portuguese winger in on goal with Borges supplying a sublime finish.

Slicker then produced another fine moment to deny Rovers sub Sam Burns after he had evaded the City defence.

How we lined up

Cieran Slicker was in goal and shielded by a back four of Lakyle Samuel, Shea Charles, Isaac Smith and Kane Taylor.

Alex Robertson, Kian Breckin and Oscar Bobb were in midfield with Micah Hamilton, Dire Mebude and Carlos Borges our attacking triumvirate.

BLACKBURN: Eastham, Duru, Mola, Ayala (Pratt 45), Batty, Gamble, Gilsenan, O’Grady-Macken, Walker, Weston, Gent

Subs: Wood, Honor, Montgomery, Burns

CITY XI: Slicker, Samuel, Charles, Smith (Dickson 72), Taylor, Robertson(Agyemang 85), Medbude, Breckin, Bobb, Hamilton (Susoho 83), Borges (Adam 85)

Subs:  McNamara.

What it means

A 16th league win of the season confirmed a historic third consecutive PL2 title for City.

It has been another magnificent campaign and today’s display encapsulated the way Barry-Murphy’s side had played all season long.

The title was delivered on the back of hard work, sacrifice, hunger, desire and talent – the fundamentals that underpin the Club’s approach to football.

What’s next

The City Under-21s are back in action for our penultimate PL2 match of the season next Saturday when we play host to Wolves.

Kick off at the Academy Stadium is set for 13.00 (UK) with the City squad expected to be presented with the PL2 trophy and their individual medals!

Celebrate with the team and see the Champions in action at the final PL2 home game of the season’.

Tickets £1/£3/free for men’s season card holders, details on link below.

https://www.mancity.com/tickets/eds-team/mancity eds-v-wolverhampton-wanderers-ticket-information