City Under-18s romp to victory over Blackburn to go top

Dire Mebude struck in the 55th minute to give us the lead before further goals from Carlos Borges, Mo Susoho and Will Dickson secured us a crucial three points in the race for the Under 18 Premier League North title. 

WHAT HAPPENED 

With us and today’s opponents tied at the top of the league, this was anticipated to be a big quality encounter and despite the windy conditions at the City Football Academy, the quality shone through after both teams found their feet, as did the competitiveness of the fixture. 

There were few chances during the opening 20 minutes as we both seemed to cancel each other out, but as the first half wore on, we started to turn the screw and craft some chances. 

Captain Rico Lewis went close when his shot was deflected away inside the area, before Borges could’ve opened the scoring for City had a Blackburn defender not reacted quickly to clear away Mebude’s cutback. 

Dickson’s goal-bound shot was palmed away by Aidan Dowling, before Kian Breckin‘s fierce long-ranger was also punched away. 

We looked certain to take the lead before the half-time break when another City chance looked certain to only for it to be hooked off the line by a Rovers defender, before Borges’ shot crept just inches wide as the referee called the end of the first half.

Following the break, City asserted themselves as the dominant side from the get go as the visitors found themselves camped in their own half. 

But ten minutes into the half, we managed to grab our opener through Mebude who, from inside the box, cut onto his left foot and lashed the ball home to send us into the lead. 

City suffered a scare when Lewis hit our crossbar when defending a Rovers corner, whilst Jadel Katongo was called into action to prevent Jake Batty from running in one-on-one with Josh McNamara. 

But despite those moments of concern, City were able to capitalise on a Rovers mistake, when Borges robbed the ball off a defender before running in and stroking the ball home to double our lead.  

City would add a third with ten minutes to go as Lewis’ cross deflected to Susoho, who lashed home from the edge of the area

And City would add a fourth before the final whistle as Dickson slid the ball under the keeper from inside the area to wrap up a great afternoon for Ben Wilkinson‘s side. 

HOW WE LINED UP

Josh McNamara was selected in between the sticks, with a back four of Rico Lewis, Isaac Smith, Jadel Katongo and Juan Larios protecting him. 

Mo Susoho anchored the midfield alongside Micah Hamilton with Kian Breckin playing in a more advanced role. 

Will Dickson lined up as the striker and he was flanked by Dire Mebude and Carlos Borges. 

WHAT IT MEANS

A crucial win from Ben Wilkinson‘s side now sees us go three clear of today’s opponents Blackburn at the top of the Under-18 Premier League North, although the Lancashire side do still have a game in hand over us.  

UP NEXT 

The Under-18s will be back in action in just four days time as we face an away trip to Leeds United. 

Kick off will be at 12:00 (UK) on Saturday 5 February.