A brace from Tai Sodje and goals from Micah Hamilton, Oscar Bobb and Dire Mebude saw Carlos Vicens’ side run riot at the City Football Academy.
WHAT HAPPENED
It was City who started the stronger of the two sides as we dominated possession from the off.
The first big chance of the afternoon fell to Shea Charles as the defender capitalised on a poor clearance from a corner before heading just over the visitors’ bar.
Vicens’ side continued to pile on the pressure and this time it was Oscar Bobb who came close with some individual brilliance.
The Norwegian danced his way passed three opponents before hitting a fierce effort from 20 yards which was superbly saved by Adam Richardson in the Sunderland goal.
City’s dominance was finally rewarded five minutes before the break after Louis Watts handled in the area resulting in the referee pointing to the spot.
Sodje stepped up and sent the keeper the wrong way to give us a well-deserved lead heading into the break.
Into the second half and it was more of the same for our youngsters as we doubled the lead just five minutes after the restart.
A neat ball into the box allowed Hamilton to break free, and the forward made no mistake with his finish, slotting into the bottom corner for our second of the afternoon.
Just moments later things nearly got even better for Vicens’ side as a superb passing move found Sodje, who’s effort from the edge of the box was well saved by the Sunderland shot-stopper.
However, Sodje wasn’t to be denied again as he netted his second of the afternoon with 15 minutes left on the clock after latching onto a Carlos Borges cross.
We didn’t stop their as just minutes later we had our fourth and fifth of the afternoon. First it was Bobb who’s effort from 12 yards crashed into the top corner, before Mebude smashed home at the far post to cap off a superb performance from Vicens’ youngsters.
HOW WE LINED UP
Josh McNamara‘s goal was protected by a defence of Kwaku Odurah, Shea Charles, Callum Doyle and Liam Smith. In midfield we had Romeo Lavia, Josh Adam and Oscar Bobb and ahead of them was a front three of Kian Breckin, Micah Hamilton and Tai Sodje.
WHAT IT MEANS
The victory ensures we maintain our exceptional unbeaten run this season, and keeps second in the Under-18 Premier League North table, one point behind Manchester United.
WHAT’S NEXT
Our Under-18s return to action on Saturday 5 December at home to Derby County in the Under-18 Premier League North.
