Heskey rescues point in opening PL International Cup clash

A composed Emilio Lawrence finish on 34 minutes put City ahead before PSV’s Dele Thomas saw a strike from distance force an own goal from Jack Wint just before half-time.

Thomas scored PSV’;s second in what was proving to be an intense affair in Group A.

The Dutch side’s experience in the competition looked like it would prove too much for Ben Wilkinson’s side to overcome.

But with almost the last kick of the game, substitute Reigan Heskey tapped home to salvage an important point for our Elite Development Squad.

WHAT HAPPENED

Friday night under the lights at the Joie Stadium is never dull.

Add the thrill of European football, and it was the perfect setting for our first outing in the Premier League International Cup in a decade.

Both teams used an aggressive press in an attempt to force an error, and after a bright start to the game, City’s hard work was rewarded.

Divine Mukasa won the ball back in PSV’s half and instantly sent Charlie Gray sprinting down the right.

The midfielder played a low driven ball in towards the back post and ready to guide his effort home was Lawrence just after the half-hour mark.

With just one minute of added time, it looked like Wilkinson’s side would head down the tunnel with a well-deserved lead.

But a long-range effort from Thomas rattled off the crossbar and hit off of Wint’s back and rolled over the line to fortuitously draw PSV level.

Just before the hour mark, the dangerous Thomas then gave the visitors the lead. He placed his strike into the top right corner from the edge of the City box, leaving Wilkinson’s team with a mountain to climb.

Our youngsters channelled the emotion and battled hard - and that resolve was rewarded in the final attack of the game.

Substitute Reigan Heskey picked up possession from a deep cross into the box. He was composed, focused as he got the ball out from under his feet and managed to find a slither of space to dispatch his shot into the bottom right corner to earn a hard-fought, but welcome point.

TEAMS

CITY XI | Wint, Nfonkeu (Carrington 67’), Katongo, Mfuni, Naylor, Gray (Fapetu 84’), Muir (Trialist 84’), J. Heskey, Oboavwoduo (Warhurst 67’), Mukasa (R. Heskey 67’), Lawrence.

SUBS | Brits, Smith.

PSV XI | Olij, Cisse, Monamay, Kuhn (Martina 63’), Mulders (Holseler-Karlsen 63’), Kluit (Verkooijen 63’), Sidibe, Van Nistelrooy (Van Duiven 73’), Thomas, Beerens (Raap 90’).

SUBS | Van Der Plas, Ngom. 

AS A RESULT

City sit third in Group A with one point, level with Southampton, PSV and RB Leipzig. 

UP NEXT

Our attention now turns back to league action.

We travel to Sunderland in our latest Premier League 2 assignment, with kick-off slated for 12:00 (UK) on Saturday 6 December.

The game will be available to watch live via CITY+ on mancity.com and the Official Man City App.