Classy City stretch Under-18 Premier League North advantage

It was another excellent all-round display from Ben Wilkinson’s impressive young side with this latest victory stretching our lead at the top of the table to 10 points

Will Dickson struck to give us an early lead only for Liverpool to level shortly before the break.

However, City were not to be denied and second half goals from Kian Breckin and substitute Dan Ogwuru sealed a fine afternoon’s work.

What happened

Pitted against our nearest rivals, City kicked off at the Academy Stadium looking to make a quick start – and we more than achieved that aim by storming into a fifth minute lead.

Dickson showed great presence of mind after taking possession from a Liverpool rebound.

The striker then swivelled inside the left edge of the box before drilling a low shot home for his 10th goal of the season.

Fine work by Josh Adam almost fashioned another opening as Ben Wilkinson’s youngsters maintained a quickfire early pace.

It was a superb start by City with another searing break down the right seeing skipper Rico Lewis find the onrushing Carlos Borges in the box only for a last-ditch block to prevent another goal.

And Liverpool keeper Hewitson had to be alert to deny Dire Mebude after a neat turn inside the visitors’ area.

Mebude then came within a whisker of that elusive second and we were left to rue those missed chances when, out of nowhere, Liverpool levelled on 41 minutes.

A hopeful long ball evaded the City back line and Bobby Clark seized possession to close in on goal before beating Josh McNamara to find the target.

There was a scare for City straight after the restart when Oakley Cannonier got in behind the City back line and went down under a challenge from McNamara.

Referee Nathaniel Cox was unmoved with the visitors’ appeals for a penalty though.

City did have the ball in the net seven minutes after the restart, substitute Nico O’Reilly firing home after Dickson’s initial effort had been saved.

However, the linesman’s flag was up straight away for an offside.

There was then a huge scare for City when Cannonier almost capitalised on a lapse in concentration at the back from City.

But City’s attacking endeavour was finally rewarded on 68 minutes when we deservedly regained the advantage.

Though Dickson’s close-range shot was saved by Hewitson, Breckin was on hand to rifle home the rebound to register a crucial goal.

And with time running down, City all but sealed victory with a crucial third strike seven minutes from time.

Barely a minute after coming on, substitute Dan Ogwuru fired home from close range after fine work by Mebude on the right flank to seal the deal.

How we lined up

Josh McNamara was in goal and was shielded by a back four of skipper Rico Lewis, Tom Galvez, Max Alleyne and Jael Katongo.

Shea Charles was the holding midfielder with Dire Mebude and Kian Breckin also in midfield. Will Dickson, Josh Adam and Carlos Borges were our attacking trio.

What it means

The victory means City are now 10 points clear of Liverpool, though the Merseysiders do have a game in hand.

But with City having just four games left to play, five more points will see us retain our league title

What’s next

Ben Wilkinson’s side are next in Under-18 Premier League North action on Saturday, April 23rd when we play host to Derby County.
Kick-off at the CFA that day is slated for 12.30pm.