Late Borges strike gives City win

The first half did not present itself with many clear cut chances as City dominated the ball but could not break the deadlock.

It was not till late on till we got our goal, as Carlos Borges found himself space in the box before shooting into the far corner to give our EDS the win.

WHAT HAPPENED

With the Sun beaming down on the Academy Stadium, City dominated the ball, but could not break Fulham’s resolve, with passing sequences being intercepted at the decisive moments.

Carlos Borges was causing problems down The Cottagers’ right, with his width providing him space to drive into the box and his lay off to Kian Breckin lead to a snapshot, which was blocked bravely by Charlie Robinson.

Moments later, a low cross from Borges again was met by Will Dickson, but he could only hit his attempt straight at Alexander Borto in the Fulham goal.

Finley Burns had a lapse of concentration at the back when he gifted the ball to Terry Ablade, who struck their first effort on target, but was well saved by Mikki van Sas.

Just before half-time we had a scare when Ablade headed into the net, but fortunately for the City defence, the linesman had his flag up for offside.

After Barry-Murphy addressed his charges, City came out with much greater intent, and were attacking from the off.

Rico Lewis burst into the box and his cross flashed across the box and fell to Breckin who rushed his shot as it rolled wide past the post.

Our right was troubling the visitors on many occasions in the second half. Substitute Dire Mebude did well to stay onside as he ran into the box and his cross lay in front of Dickson who placed his shot wide of the target.

Fulham still provided a threat on the counter-attack as Callum McFarlane ran at the City defence, his low drive was saved by the flailing leg of van Sas.

After all of our possession, we manage to break open the visitor’s defence, as Borges does well to latch onto a cross that evaded everyone in the box, he cut inside before smashing a shot into the far corner.

Borges was unfortunate not to double his lead minutes later, after the winger was played in, his shot went straight at Borto to the disappointment of the goalscorer.

Fulham threw the kitchen sink at us as the game came to a close, but they could not find the equaliser as we held on to secure the victory.

HOW WE LINED UP

Mikki van Sas was between the posts, and shielded by a back four of Rico Lewis, Finley Burns, Kane, Taylor and Josh Wilson-Esbrand.

Shea Charles anchored the midfield with Kian Breckin and Josh Adam playing further ahead in attacking roles.

Will Dickson remained as a sole striker, with Carlos Borges and Oscar Bobb acquiring roles on the flanks in support.

Manchester City EDS

Starting XI: van Sas, Lewis, Burns (66’ Samuel), Taylor, Wilson-Esbrand, Adam (66’ Mebude), Charles, Breckin, Bobb, Dickson (89’ Ogwuru), Borges

SUBS: Knight, Smith

Fulham U21s

Starting XI: Borto, Ablade (81’ Bowat), Araujo (80’ Williams), D’Auria-Henry, Dibley-Dias, Godo (71’ McFarlane), Harris, McAvoy, O’Neill, Pajaziti (81’ Sekularac), Robinson

SUBS: McNally, Williams

WHAT IT MEANS

A win for City moves them to 14 points and only denied top spot from goals scored as we sit third in the Premier League 2 table.

UP NEXT

City have a two-week break before we return to league action as we travel to the Midlands to face Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Kick-off is scheduled for 14:00 (UK) on Sunday 2^nd October.