City Under-18s play out intense draw with Leeds in league opener

Reigan Heskey had City’s best chance of the game in the first half with his effort rattling the back post after bright build-up play by Christian Dunbar-McDonald. 

Leeds had a fine chance of their own with Oliver Whatmuff’s superb save applauded by his team-mates after he denied Jack Morris the opener. 

The hosts proved to be tough opponents with intense battles all over the pitch but nothing could separate the two teams come the full-time whistle. 

WHAT HAPPENED

There was a real buzz in the air with both sides seeking to start the 2024/25 campaign on the right foot and with three points in the back pocket.

But the first game is always the toughest with Oliver Reiss’s side a young and new group to the league going up against a slightly more experienced Leeds outfit.

The hosts tested City’s nerves from kick-off with the Yorkshire side enjoying a lot of the ball in the opening 10 minutes.

Whatmuff was called into action on 15 minutes in the first chance of the game. Leeds’ initial corner wasn’t cleared and in turn the City keeper got a quick hand to the ball.

15 minutes flew by with the match end-to-end but neither keeper was tested until City began to build momentum.

A cheeky half turn by Luca Fletcher in the 32^nd minute left him with the chance to shoot on the edge of the box but Alex Baird got down quick to deny the City striker.

Two minutes later Kaden Braithwaite’s header from a corner floated over the bar moments after a strike from the edge of the area by Christian Dunbar-McDonald forced a fingertip save from Baird.

City continued to pile on the pressure with half-time on the horizon. Seth Chingwaro tried his hand with his low effort fumbled by Baird who was able to scramble to the ball before an on-running Fletcher was able to pounce on the rebound.

City then had the best chance of the half on 39 minutes, with the post the saving grace for Leeds.

Brilliant build-up play by Dunbar-McDonald, who carried the ball into the centre of the pitch, saw him weave around multiple Leeds players in the process, leaving the right side open for Chingwaro to drive in to.

Chingwaro’s cross across the face of the goal was met by Reigan Heskey at the back post but his effort rattled the back post and ricocheted away from goal to complete the opening 45 minutes.

A quick start to the second half saw Finlay Gorman released down the left in the opening minute. After a quick glance at goal and he opted to try and chip Baird but the Leeds keeper was able to back-pedal quickly to catch the ball.

City were awarded a free-kick around 25 yards out from goal on 55 minutes after Thomas was fouled in the centre of the pitch. Dunbar-McDonald curled the dead ball towards goal but it drifted just over the crossbar.

In response, Leeds had their best chance of the game three minutes later. Jack Morris looked to squeeze the ball into the bottom left corner but Whatmuff pulled off a phenomenal save to tip the ball round the post.

Chances were once again back and forth between the two teams and this time it was City’s turn to go close.

Gorman played a perfectly weighted pass across the pitch and into the pass of Heskey. As the latter went to pull the trigger, Coban Bird slid in to deny the shot to City’s frustration.

Whatmuff showed his class in goal once again on the brink of full-time. Leeds worked the ball well but two fantastic saves by the City keeper meant the points would be shared.  

HOW WE LINED UP

Oliver Whatmuff was tasked with keeping the ball out the back of the net with a defensive four of Dante Headley, Harrison Parker, Kaden Braithwaite and captain Rhys Thomas just in front.

In City’s engine room, Femi Fapetu, Finlay Gorman and Seth Chingwaro held strong in midfield.

And leading City’s line, Luca Fletcher was accompanied by Reigan Heskey and Christian Dunbar-McDonald either side of him.

LEEDS XI: Baird, Dudley, Bird ©, Pickles, Billet, Matykiewicz, Render, Brown, Boast, Morris, Lane.

SUBS: Kenyon, Howard, Simo, Pirie, Brockie.

MAN CITY XI: Whatmuff, Thomas ©, Braithwaite, Parker, Headley (Tevenan 81’), Fapetu (Drake 81’), Dunbar-McDonald (Midwood 72’), Chingwaro (Samba 62’), Fletcher, Gorman, Heskey.

SUBS: Hudson.

WHAT IT MEANS

City and Leeds share the points and sit middle of the pack after the opening weekend. 

UP NEXT

City take on Manchester United in our first home game of the campaign. 

The game is scheduled for a 11:00 (UK) kick-off on Saturday 24 August and is available to watch live on CITY+.