It looked as though we were heading for the competition’s exit as goals from Norwich’s Kenneth Aboh and Dubem Eze put the hosts two goals ahead.
But, with sixteen minutes left, Nico O’Reilly gave us hope by halving the deficit before Alfie Harrison drew us level as we entered the closing stages.
Then, as we entered added time, Justin Oboavwoduo grabbed the winner and ensured Ben Wilkinson‘s side qualified for the quarter-finals.
WHAT HAPPENED
City arrived in Norfolk knowing that they needed a win to ensure their passage to the last eight of the competition as they were tied on both points and goal difference with the Canaries.
But it was less than an ideal start for the Under-18s, as Aboh broke through our defence in the 12th minute to score past George Murray-Jones, giving the home side the lead.
We didn’t let our heads drop, and from then on we dominated proceedings in possession, but although we had more chances on goal than our opponents, we couldn’t find a breakthrough before the half-time break.
Into the second-half, we were given a lifeline as the referee awarded us a penalty in the 57th minute, but O’Reilly saw his effort saved by Norwich stopper Calen Ansen.
It proved to be a cruel blow for the Under-18s as just three minutes later, Norwich were awarded a spot kick of their own and Eze made no mistake, emphatically striking home to double the host’s lead.
Despite the setback, we refused to give up and came close to getting ourselves back into the game, only to be denied twice by the woodwork, first from winger Farid Alfa-Ruprecht hitting the post before O’Reilly struck the crossbar.
However, with sixteen minutes left, our efforts were finally rewarded as O’Reilly managed to poke the ball home to halve the deficit and give us some hope.
Then, with 84 minutes on the clock, we drew level as a great assist from Alfa-Ruprecht set up substitute Harrison to nip in and score.
Qualification wasn’t certain as a draw would see us finish in second to Norwich, with only the best runner-up qualifying for the quarter-finals meaning we had to grab the win to ensure of making it through.
And then, with one minute played of added time, the turnaround was complete as Oboavwoduo scored in the dying seconds to win us the game and secure us qualification to the quarter-finals.
HOW WE LINED UP
George Murray-Jones was named in goal behind a defence comprised of Jacob Wright, Jahmai Simpson-Pusey, Max Alleyne and Tomas Galvez.
Charlie Gray lined up in midfield alongside captain Nico O’Reilly and Matty Whittingham.
Justin Oboavwodou led the City attack and he was flanked by Farid Alfa-Ruprecht on the left and Dan Ogwuru on the right.
Manchester City U18s
Starting XI: Murray-Jones, Wright, Simpson-Pusey (Smith 46’), Alleyne, Galvez, Gray, O’Reilly (C), Whittingham, Oboavwoduo, Ogwuru (Muir 38’), Alfa-Ruprecht.
Substitutes: Smith, Wint, Harrison, Okeke.
Norwich City U18s
Starting XI: Ansen, McCabe, Williams, Doy, Renecke, Djedje, Reindorf, Welch (C), Aboh, Eze, Bracking.
Substitutes: Pinyoun, Giller, Amadou, Thompson, Chilvers.
WHAT IT MEANS
Our dramatic turnaround sees us qualify for the last eight of the Under-18 Premier League Cup as one of the seven group winners.
UP NEXT
Our Under-18s will return to league action next week as we take on cross-city rivals Manchester United.
Kick-off at the City Football Academy will be at 11:30 on Saturday 12 November.
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