City EDS began their campaign with an impressive point away at Chelsea in Attilio Lombardo’s first match in charge and will be hoping for a first victory in their quest to qualify for the Elite Group Stage.
A crowd of 3,000 packed in to Brentford FC’s Griffin Park for the Friday night fixture which ushered in a new era in youth football and a goalless draw was perhaps a little harsh on City who created a flurry of first-half chances.
“We started well for the first 10 minutes against a really high quality Chelsea team who came back strongly into the game but it was then, in the second half that the spirit of my guys really came through,” said the new City EDS boss.
“We put George Evans in front of the defence and he did very well in providing cover for them and from then on Chelsea didn’t look as dangerous.”
City very nearly clinched all three points with the last kick of the game but Alex Henshall’s shot across Jamal Blackman was parried out well by the keeper.
“We had a chance at the end to win the match through Henshall but I’m happy with the result and with the attitude that I saw from the team,” Lombardo said.
“We have to improve against Middlesbrough next week as sometimes we lose concentration and we take a risk and we gave the ball away when we shouldn’t have.”
“We have to improve our accuracy in front of goal and with our passing but I think that we can do that.”
The next encounter will be the first home game of the season which will be held at the Etihad Stadium, a very special occasion for the squad,
“It’s a great experience for them and an important one for me too as I’ve never managed there before.” Lombardo said.
“Obviously the stadium won’t be full with 46,000 people like a first team game but it’s still an important step.”
Entry to the match is free of charge from the P and Y turnstiles and it kicks off at 7pm. The North Car Park is free to use for fans and there will be refreshments served but no alcohol once inside the stadium.
Manchester City will play Paris St. Germain in the Next Gen Series on Thursday 30 Aug 2012 at Ewen Fields in Hyde.
Tickets for the 7pm kick-off go on general sale from the stadium ticket office only from 9am Saturday 25th August.
A limited number of reserved seats are available priced at £5 Adults, £1 Concessions.
Standing tickets are available priced at £3 Adults, £1 Concessions
Please note that no loyalty points will be awarded for this fixture.
