City secure Under-18 Premier League National title with Fulham victory

Carlos Vicens’ impressive young charges, who had already been crowned Under-18 North champions last week, produced a superb display in the showpiece final against the Southern champions.

A three-goal salvo in a blistering opening 45 minutes effectively sealed the match as a contest.

City were two ahead inside eight minutes with Sam Edozie and Carlos Borges both on the mark and things got even better on the brink of half-time when Oscar Bobb added a third.

And though Fulham hit back through a penalty early in the second half, City were not to be denied.

What happened

Vicens’ young charges came roaring out of the blocks and made the perfect start as City roared into a two-goal lead inside the opening 10 minutes.

With City on the front foot right from the word go, we were ahead inside 90 seconds.

Juan Larios was the architect for the opener, cutting in from the left to gather from Carlos Borges before fizzing in an inviting ball which found Sam Edozie waiting at the far post.

Edozie swiftly despatched a superb low drive past Fulham keeper Alex Borto to put us on the front foot.

It was the ideal way to begin and things got even better as we doubled our lead on eight minutes.

This time Edozie was the provider, powering down the right flank and then teeing up the waiting Carlos Borges in the box who made no mistake from close range.

With City imperious in attack, it nearly became three only for Larios to scuff an effort wide after more superb build up play had carved open the visitors’ back line.

Fulham sought to summon up a response and Cieran Slicker needed to be alert to dive low to smother an Ollie O’Neill drive but it was City who carried the greater cut and thrust.

Darko Gyabi was inches away from a stunning third, his curling 20 yard shot arcing inches wide after another sweeping City attack.

City though weren’t to be denied and Oscar Bobb cemented an imperious first 45 minutes by converting from close range on the stroke of half-time to make it 3-0 after exchanging passes with Borges.

However, Fulham were afforded a route back into the game within two minutes of the restart as they struck from the penalty spot to narrow the deficit.

Referee Jordan Crossley adjudged that Luke Harris had been upended in the box and skipper Adrion Pajaziti converted from the spot.

There was an almost an immediate response with Romeo Lavia bursting through into the six yard box only to be denied by Borto’s block.

It was a much tighter affair as a contest with Fulham pushing and providing a reminder of their impressive credentials – Steve Wigley’s side having been unbeaten since February 20th.

However, City were resolute and robust and secured a stunning end to what has been an unforgettable season.

What it means

City are crowned Under-18 Premier League national champions.

The achievement caps a magnificent season for Carlos Vicens and his squad with City having already been crowned Under-18 Premier League North champions.
What a season for the City youngsters!

How we lined up

Cieran Slicker was in goal shielded by a back four of Shea Charles, Jadel Katongo, Callum Doyle and Juan Larios.

Skipper Romeo Lavia was the midfield shield with Oscar Bobb and Darko Gyabi also in the engine room. Sam Edozie, Micah Hamilton and Carlos Borges were deployed as our attacking trident.