City seal passage through to the FA Youth Cup semi-finals

Justin Oboavwoduo’s 20th minute opener gave Ben Wilkinson’s side the early breakthrough.

And a second-half brace from Will Dickson then sealed our passage through to the last-four and a trip to face Arsenal.

For Dickson it also maintained his proud record of having scored in every round this season.

Oxford made it tough, especially in a fiercely fought first 45 minutes, but ultimately City’s class and composure kept us on track for potential Youth Cup glory.

What happened

As with our three other FA Youth Cup ties this term, it was a crisp, cold night at the Academy Stadium with the attendance swelled by a sizeable contingent from Oxford.

In the build-up to the game, head coach Ben Wilkinson had warned how tough a test Oxford would present and the well-organised and physical visitors made a tight, cagey opening first 15 minutes.

Gradually however, our passing and movement began to open up space with the first real opening coming City’s way just past the quarter of an hour mark.

Left-back Tom Galvez threaded an inviting ball over the Us back line into the path of Joel Ndala. The left winger cut in and closed in on goal but Oxford keeper Fraser Barnsley stood tall and was able to clear his lines as Ndala sought to apply the finish.

Barnsley was called into action again just three minutes later to once more deny Ndala, this time a diving left-handed save keeping out a goalbound shot.

However, the City pressure was building and it eventually told on 20 minutes as Oboavwoduo fired home from 12 yards to give us the crucial breakthrough.

Isaiah Dada-Mascoll was the architect, his precise pass putting Oboavwoduo into a fraction of space inside the box and the striker needed no second invitation to find the left-hand corner of the net.

Ndala’s pace was a constant thorn in Oxford’s side and from another searing left-wing run, only more acrobatics from Barnsley prevented an own goal from Max Smith after the ball had cannoned off his chest towards the goal.

And the Oxford keeper was there again on 39 minutes this time denying Dickson as the City forward tried his luck from just inside the box.

City set off in pursuit of an all-important second goal straight after the break and a mazy run from Farid Alpha Ruprecht into the heart of the box saw the winger then drill a low shot into the side netting.

Oxford were indebted to Barnsley on the hour as he got down to sniff out Michael Okeke’s low shot.

City then brought on Nico O’Reilly and the midfielder almost made an instant impact, his goalbound snapshot being blocked in the heart of the Us box.

However, City’s endeavour was finally rewarded as the key second goal arrived on 66 minutes with Dickson finding the target.

A driving O’Reilly run put in the advancing Galvez and from his low drive, Dickson showed his predatory instinct to fire home from close range.

And Dickson was there again three minutes later to double his own tally and put the tie beyond all doubt as he applied a brilliant finish to another Galvez assist, sliding in the box to round off another fine move and seal the deal.

How we lined up

George Murray-Jones was in goal and shielded by a back four of Lakyle Samuel, Jadel Katongo, Max Alleyne and Tom Galvez.

Isaiah Dada-Mascoll was the holding midfielder with Farid Alfa-Ruprecht and Michael Okeke also in the engine room.

Will Dickson, Justin Oboavwoduo and Joel Ndala formed our attacking trident.

CITY: Murray-Jones, Samuel (Wright 77), Katongo (c), Alleyne, Galvez, Dada-Mascoll, Alfa-Ruprecht (O’Reilly 60), Okeke (Ogwuru 69), Dickson, Oboavwoduo, Ndala

Subs: Simpson Pusey, Grant, Harrison, Muir

OXFORD: Barnsley, Sankoh, Maxwell, Johnson, Smith, Zabeli, Elliot Wheeler, Brenan, O’Donkor (Burton 69), Took Oxley, Tiamuna

Subs: Fowler, Marriott, Mole, Gerrard, Lacey, Iheancho

What it means

Our reward for Tuesday’s victory is a semi-final trip to tackle Arsenal.

The last four clash in the capital is scheduled to take place on or before Saturday, April 8 with the exact date and kick off time to be confirmed on mancity.com and our official app in due course.

The other semi-final will be between West Ham and Southampton.

What’s next

The City youngsters are back in Under-18 Premier League North action on Saturday when we play host to Everton in another important clash which was rescheduled from

Kick off at the CFA is at 11.30 (UK) with Wilkinson’s youngsters seeking to step up our push to defend our league crown.