Manchester City’s EDS side fell to a slender Premier League 2 home defeat at the hands of high-flying Brighton, as the young Blues endured a frustrating night in front of goal.
What happened?
Second-placed Brighton came into the game in good form, with two wins and two draws in their last four matches, whilst City were hoping to end a four-match winless run.
City dominated the early exchanges and looked comfortable on the ball, but it was the visitors who broke the deadlock against the run of play in the 13th minute as Danny Cashman rifled in from the edge of the 18-yard box.
We almost hit back three minutes later, as great persistence inside the box from Ian Poveda saw the ball drop to him invitingly, but he curled his effort just wide of the right-hand post.
The Blues continued to probe for the equaliser and almost got it just after the half hour mark as Jeremie Frimpong’s volley hit the side-netting.
Our best chance of the half came five minutes before the interval as Poveda weaved his way through the Brighton defence and played through Adrian Bernabe, whose powerful low effort was brilliantly tipped around the post by Brighton keeper Tom McGill.
Paul Harsley’s side continued to dominate possession in the second half but were largely limited to long-range efforts, but Tommy Doyle’s introduction with half an hour to go gave City some added attacking threat.
The EDS youngsters piled on the pressure and almost got a deserved leveller with ten minutes to go, but Bernabe’s close-range header was touched over the bar by McGill.
Bernabe was stopped by McGill for the third time with three minutes to go as the goalkeeper once again parried a well-directed effort from the Spaniard away from danger.
Numerous late crosses into the box were well defended by the visitors, who hung on to claim all three points.
What it means
The narrow defeat sees City drop down to eighth place in the Premier League 2 table, with 21 points from 17 matches.
How we lined up
Thomas Scott lined up in goal, with a back four of Alpha Diounkou, captain Colin Rosler, Eric Garcia and Tyreke Wilson. It was a midfield three of Iker Pozo, Adrian Bernabe and Taylor Richards, whilst Benjamin Garre and Jeremie Frimpong provided the width for frontman Ian Poveda.
Up next
Our EDS side now have a lengthy break before returning to action in the Premier League 2 on Sunday, 3rd March at 1:00pm against Leicester City at the Etihad Stadium.
