EDS return to winning ways with PL2 triumph over Leeds

Left-back Christian McFarlane scored his first Premier League 2 goal to get Ben Wilkinson’s side off the mark inside the opening 20 minutes, with the defender showing great composure from close range. 

Matty Warhurst gave City some breathing room early in the second half, doubling our lead for his third goal in three games in all competitions.

The City striker then bagged his brace, making it three on the night, slotting home Ashton Muir’s pass to seal a fifth league win from six at the Joie Stadium as the Blues shook off the frustration of our midweek UEFA Youth League exit.

WHAT HAPPENED

The Blues’ Under-21s looked to continue our impressive form on home soil, charging out of the gates.

McFarlane fired Ben Wilkinson’s troops ahead on 18 minutes after the winger made a lightning quick run in behind, played in by Kian Noble, before slotting his low shot under Illan Meslier from an almost impossible angle near the left post.

Leeds’ best chance to equalise saw Oliver Pickles almost slide home a cross from close range near the half hour mark.

The visitors used it as momentum, with City pinned back in our half for a short portion before taking back control of the match.

Ashton Muir had the chance to double our lead just before the break, but his first time effort from the left flew just over the bar.

Intense rainfall continued intermittently in the second half.

It wasn’t the only storm City weathered with Leeds enjoying more of the ball in the opening exchanges.

Goalkeeper Jack Wint was called into action before all of City’s back line defended as a unit to clear our box.

Almost instantly City moved the ball quickly and a fluid counter attack ended with Brooklyn Nfonkeu floating in a cross from the right which was tapped home by Warhurst on 52 minutes.

By City’s standard, our opponents enjoyed lengthy spells on the ball, but it didn’t stop Wilkinson’s side from remaining focused when we did attack.

And our latest push saw Warhurst find our third, with the number nine sliding his second goal of the night under Meslier on 72 minutes.

Leeds continued to press for a way back into the game in the final 10 minutes, with our opponents in need of vital points to climb into the top 16.

But once again Wint was a stalwart in goal, denying Coban Bird’s effort as we secured a satisfying clean sheet.

HOW WE LINED UP

CITY XI | Wint, Nfonkeu (Carrington 77’), H. Parker, Noble, McFarlane, Dada-Mascoll (Fapetu 61’), Sangare, Gray (Midwood 77’), Warhurst, Nypan (Thomas 53’), Muir.

SUBS | Hudson.  

LEEDS XI | Meslier, Lane, Lienou, Pickles, Howard, Matykiewicz, McDonald (Mills 14’), Chadwick, Chambers (Wilson 76’), Cresswell, Bird.

SUBS | Ombang, Pirie, Whitehead.  

AS A RESULT

City climb to sixth in the PL2 table with seven league phase games left to play.

UP NEXT

Our next Premier League 2 assignment will see us travel to Derby County.

We take on the Rams on Friday 13 February, with kick-off slated for 19:00 (UK).

Fans with a CITY+ subscription will be able to watch the game live on mancity.com and the Official Man City App.