Rico Lewis’ penalty put us in the driving seat as we controlled proceedings in the first half after Dan Ogwuru was fouled in the box.
The second half proved to be a tougher test for us, but we were able to hang on to maintain our charge towards another Premier League Under-18s North title.
WHAT HAPPENED
On a clear day at the City Football Academy, we were looking on returning to winning ways, knowing that it would extend our lead at the summit.
We got out of the traps fast as Matty Whittingham hit a long ball over the Wolves defence, which was gifted with a nice touch by Dan Ogwuru, but his effort was met with a good save from James Storer.
The visitors responded to our fast start, as Harry Birtwistle drove into the box and squared the ball to Owen Farmer who tapped it in but luckily for us, the linesman flagged for offside.
The Young Blues tried to prise a way through with some one-touch passing and another through ball to Ogwuru by Kian Breckin was saved again as Storer was providing to be a stern test for our striker.
Eventually, Ogwuru got the better of the Wolves defence as the referee pointed to the penalty spot after he was fouled in the box.
The skipper, Rico Lewis stepped up and converted the penalty confidently, sending keeper the wrong way to put us ahead.
The Midlands club did not feel deflated after our opener, as Farmer struck the crossbar moments later.
We got joy down our right side with Dire Mebude and Lewis who linked up well which created more chances for the league leaders.
But these were not capitalised on as we went into the break, with the advantage.
It took time for City to replicate their rhythm again with fouls disrupting the match.
Wolves took advantage of this, as Farmer was played through, and his strike was saved by Josh McNamara.
But Ben Wilkinson’s side reacted well, with good interplay between Lewis and Ogwuru leading to a low effort from Barrington which tested Storer, who again denied us our second.
We kept professional in the match as Wolves started to pack the midfield as they chased an equaliser.
Again, we were unable to find a way past Storer as Josh Adam’s effort was matched with a low blocking save.
Wolves nearly snatched a late equaliser through Wolves’ no. 9, Farmer, but it was well pounded out by McNamara, who was having a fine second half.
We defended well in the closing stages to see out a vital victory to put us in a good position as we head into a busy end to the season.
HOW WE LINED UP
Wilkinson chose Josh McNamara to play between the posts, with Rico Lewis, Jadel Katongo, Max Alleyne and Matty Whittingham lining for the back four.
Kian Breckin and Josh Adam provided cover in the midfielder with Mo Susoho sat just in front of the defence.
Dan Ogwuru played as a sole striker, with Dire Mebude and Luca Barrington taking up their positions on the wings.
Manchester City Under-18s
Starting XI: McNamara; Lewis (C), Katongo, Alleyne, Whittingham, Breckin, Susoho, Adam, Barrington, Ogwuru, Mebude
Subs: Murray-Jones, Samuel, Dickson, Smith, Oboavwoduo
Wolverhampton Wanderers Under-18s
Starting XI: Storer, Kaleta, Mabete, Tipton (C), Kandola, Keto-Diyawa, Birtwistle, Rees, Farmer, Ojinnaka, Roberts
Subs: Voice, Airnbjornsson, Ashworth, Esen, Reynolds
WHAT IT MEANS
Despite defeat in our last encounter, victory today means we have now just lost the once in our last 10 Premier League Under-18s North games.
And with second placed Liverpool not playing today, we have extended our lead to nine points, although we have played one extra game.
UP NEXT
City’s Academy outfit continue our busy April schedule next Saturday, with an away fixture against Middlesbrough next time out.
Kick off will be at 13:00 (UK).
