City Under-18s edged out at United

Ben Wilkinson’s side expected a tough match against the league leaders who had conceded just seven goals in their 11 consecutive league wins this season.

And despite City dominating possession, United took the lead in the second half through a Louis Jackson chip against the run of play which summarised a tough afternoon for City.

In what was a tight, hard-fought affair that proved the only goal of the game and gave United the derby spoils as they extended their lead at the top of the table.

WHAT HAPPENED

It was a short trip across Manchester to a chilly and damp Carrington which played host to one of the most highly anticipated games of the season.

There both nerves and excitement surrounding the game. The hosts were seeking to extend their winning run to 12 league games while Ben Wilkinson’s squad were seeking to topple our city rivals and fellow title contenders.

City dominated the early possession and, in similar fashion to the first half of our FA Youth Cup clash against West Ham  last week, Wilkinson’s side were happy to slowly edge towards the United goal before taking shots.

But with space at a premium we were unable to test United keeper Elyh Harrison until the 28^th minute.

Quick feet from Farid Alfa-Ruprecht opened up a fraction of space and allowed him to unleash a left-footed shot but Harrison positioned himself well in the goal to make the catch.

City continued to test the United defence, this time with quick build-up play before Emilio Lawrence was played through on goal by a perfectly-weight pass by Stephen Mfuni.

The left winger’s strike, however, was blocked and City were unable to convert from the two corners that followed.

With around 10 minutes left to play of the opening 45, United’s game plan became evident; seek to contain and counter quickly.

A City corner quickly turned into a United attack with City keeper Jack Wint tested for the first time by a Ethan Wheatley effort which Wint palmed wide.

The resulting corner saw Mfuni make a fantastic goal line headed clearance to keep the score level from McAlister’s shot.

The City keeper was called into action again with the final attack of the half as he heroically smothered a close-range shot before chasing down the loose ball to deny United once more.

City started the second half the same way as the first, holding the majority of the ball.

After 10 minutes, a driving run by midfielder Charlie Gray split United’s defence wide open. He played a fantastic through ball between two defenders to Jaden Heskey who just couldn’t get the ball out between his feet and scuffed his shot wide.

As City began to tire, United grew into the game and a short spell of possession saw the hosts take the lead. A chipped effort by Jackson saw the ball hit Harrison Palmer and float over an outrushing Wint and into the back of the net just over the hour mark. 

As City searched for an equaliser, a flurry of substitutes saw the boys in blue up the intensity for the final 15 minutes.

Christian Dunbar-McDonald had a couple of chances saved in quick succession late in the game with Divine Musaka also seeing a late chance denied to epitomise a tough day in front of goal for City. 

HOW WE LINED UP

Jack Wint wore the number one shirt with a defensive line of Stephen Mfuni, Kian Noble, Harrison Parker and Lakyle Samuel who has replaced regular right-back Ezra Carrington with him unavailable for the clash.

In City’s midfield, Charlie Gray provided the defensive cover with Jaden Heskey and Michael Okeke providing options out wide.

Our attacking three was led once again by Matty Warhurst with Emilio Lawrence on the left flank and Farid Alfa-Ruprecht on the right.

UNITED XI: Harrison, Ogunneye, Amass, Kingdon, Jackson, McAllister ©, Musa, Curley (Fitzgerald 83’), Wheatley (Biancheri 88’), J. Fletcher, Scanlon (Williams 77’)

UNUSED SUBS: T. Fletcher, Myles,

CITY XI: Wint, Samuel (Henderson-Hall 58’), Parker, Noble, Mfuni, Gray, Alfa-Ruprecht (Fletcher 74’), Heskey ©, Warhurst, Okeke (Mukasa 67’), Lawrence (Dunbar-McDonald 74’)

UNUSED SUBS: Whatmuff  

WHAT IT MEANS

City remain third in the Under-18 Premier League North.

The loss means United now move 14 points clear at the summit as City remain third with a tough challenge ahead if we are to retain a fourth consecutive Under-18 Premier League North title.

WHAT’S NEXT

Wilkinson’s side return to Under-18 Premier League action with a home game against Derby County.

The final league game of the month will kick-off at 12:30 (UK) on Saturday 27 January.