A magnicifcent first half showing saw Carlos Vicens’ side score four goals in the first 45 minutes, before Newcastle netted a consolation in the second half on a sun-soaked afternoon at the City Football Academy.
A brace from Micah Hamilton, and goals from Tai Sodje and Jadel Katongo wrapped up a dominant first half performance, and proved more than enough for all three points.
WHAT HAPPENED
Vicens’ side flew out the blocks in the early stages and could have had the lead inside 30 seconds, as Carlos Borges pulled the ball back from the left to Hamilton, who saw his effort from 15-yards well saved.
However, Hamilton and City did not have to wait long to find the back of the net as the number 10 opened the scoring five minutes later.
Some good play down the left by Juan Larios allowed the Spaniard to pull the ball back for Hamilton, who cooly slotted his strike into the bottom corner for his third goal in two games.
City’s impressive start got even better five minutes later as the prolific Sodje doubled our lead.
Again it was the left-hand side that proved key, as Borges burst down the wing and into the box, before laying the ball on a plate for Sodje who tapped in for his 16th league goal of the season.
Oscar Bobb was the next to try his luck, as the Norweigan cut inside from the right and hit a fierce effort that was well saved by Max Thompson in the Newcastle goal.
Vicens’ team have been in scintialting goalscoring form of late, and City’s ruthlessness in front of goal continued, as we netted two in as many minutes at the end of the first half.
First Katongo was the man to add our third, as he headed in Hamilton’s corner at the near post for his first goal of the season.
Hamilton then swapped the provider role for scorer a minute later, as he slotted in from his close range to cap of a mesmerising first half perfromance.
For all of City’s dominance, the Magpies did pull one back against the run of play 10 minutes into the second half as Dylan Stephenson lobbed the onrushing, Mikki Van Sas with Newcastle’s first shot on target.
HOW WE LINED UP
Mikki Van Sas‘ goal was protected by a back four of CJ Egan-Riley, Jadel Katongo, Shea Charles and Juan Larios.
Harvey Griffiths, Micah Hamilton and Josh Adam formed a midfield three, whilst Carlos Borges and Oscar Bobb ocuppied the left, and right wing.
Tai Sodje led the line up front.
WHAT IT MEANS
The victory moves Vicens’ side into second in the U18 Premier League North table, level on points with leaders, Liverpool with two games in hand.
UP NEXT
We return to league action on Tuesday 9 March as we host Stoke City at the City Football Academy at 14:00 (UK).
