Having started the campaign seeking to emulate their predecessors, Ben Wilkinson’s team held their nerve throughout the year to hold off the unrelenting challenge of Sunderland.
Saturday’s 4-2 win over the Black Cats ensured we were champions of the north group for a third year, after also being awarded the 2019/20 title on a points-per-game basis when the season was cancelled due to COVID.
Wilcox salutes U18s after another regional title
We will now complete our group stage at Derby County live on CITY+ and Recast this coming Saturday before taking on southern champions West Ham United to determine the national champions. Date and venue details of the final are still to be confirmed.
Ndala, only 16, has excelled in 2022/23.
Largely featuring on the left of a front three, he has notched 13 goals already and his direct dribbling has wreaked havoc in many a defence.
However, he believes the team’s success is largely down to the winning mentality that now exists throughout our Academy.
“It’s mad because we have done that four times in a row now and there’s pressure on everyone at the Under-18s level now, especially next season,” he said.
“They will have to carry on the trend because we had the same feeling at the start of this season, where previously we’d won three, so for us to win again, it shows our togetherness.”
Saturday’s meeting was a test of nerves.
City’s victory sealed top spot but had Sunderland earned the three points, the destiny of the trophy would be in their hands with just one match remaining.
Ndala, who scored our fourth on the day with a delightful curling strike, has since revealed how Wilkinson prepared his players ahead of such a crucial clash.
“The game plan was to find a way to win the game, because it felt like a cup final, with the top two playing each other and us being a point ahead,” he said.
“Our fast start was very important because we know they like to press and show a lot of passion, so we didn’t want to give them any momentum, we made a fast start and passed the ball about, and we reaped the reward.”
“Sunderland would have gone in and had their coaches tell them to press us a little bit more, so we knew they would come out a bit stronger, obviously in the second half we had to rely more on our defensive skills and sit back for a bit and soak up the pressure.”
Having made his first steps at this age group last season, Ndala has become a key pillar of this year’s side.
However, he was substituted at half-time of Saturday’s match after an injury late in the first period.
He now faces a battle to be fit for that national final with West Ham, expected to be played next month.
He said: “I think I’ve done well this season and contributed well to the team throughout the season and it’s unfortunate that I’ve picked up the injury.
“I don’t know what it is yet so hopefully it won’t be bad news and I’ll be back for national final to help the team.”
