An early own goal from Boro’s Nathan Simpson and a late Joel Ndala strike were enough as City climb to third in the Under-18 Premier League table.
WHAT HAPPENED
City were on top early on as we tried to work an opening against our North-East opponents and made the breakthrough after 14-minutes, when Simpson inadvertently turned into his own net as he tried to clear a goal-bound effort from Josh Adam.
We continued to threaten throughout the first period with Ndala’s effort whistling past the far post, before Rico Lewis‘ also fired a shot wide after a neat passage of play.
The visitors would also have their opportunities, but Jadel Katongo made a vital block to deny Sonny Finch, before keeper Josh McNamara pushed away an effort from the Boro striker.
Captain Lewis denied what looked to be a certain goal after the break, throwing his body in front of the ball to block an open goal, but chances were few and far between in the second period.
We finally managed to extend our lead and put the result beyond doubt when, after a quick breakaway from a corner, the ball fell to Ndala just outside the area, who managed to swivel and fire in a powerful effort that was just beyond the reach of Boro keeper Henry Popple.
HOW WE LINED UP
McNamara lined up in goal behind a backline of Lewis, Isaac Smith, Katongo and Tomas Galvez.
Kane Taylor, Adam and Kian Breckin made up the midfield three, whilst Ndala, Dan Ogwuru and Luca Barrington were named as the forwards.
WHAT IT MEANS
Our Under-18s now move up to third in the Under-18 Premier League table, with seven points, just two off second-placed Leeds United, though the Yorkshire side have played a game more.
UP NEXT
Our Under-18s are back in league action with an away trip to Derby County.
Kick-off is at 12:30pm (UK) on Saturday 2 October.
