City v United U-18
United's under 18's were defeated by a once again more physical side at Platt Lane on Saturday morning. Although United had plenty of the ball, finishing was a problem and our solitary goal came from James Chester when he tapped in a cross from a Magnus Eikrem from about four yards out in the opening few minutes. City equalised few minutes later and had the better of the opening period. United came back into the game as the first half came to an end and missed a great chance to go ahead when Febian Brandy shot wide from the edge of the box after breaking clear.
HT 1-1
City scored their second within a few minutes of the restart and had a 15minute period of domination which culminated in their taking a a 3-1 lead. Christy Fagan missed good chance to reduce the deficit when he shot straight at the keeper....but the City defence held firm. United then had a good spell of possession in the last 15 minutes but were frustrated in their efforts. This led to Brandy picking up a booking within the last few seconds.
Final Score: City 3 United 1
Team: Amos, Eckersley, Cleverly, Strickland, Chesterm Drinkwater, Eikrem, Hewson, Brandy, Fagan, Welbeck
Subs: C. Evans (6), Galbraith (8), McCormack, Bryan (10)
The U-16's fared no better, and with many of the regular side missing, Mark Dempsey drafted in some of the U-14 squad. Although United played most of the football, City were dangerous on the break-away and scored three soft goals...two of them being the fault of the triallist keeper Sam Filler...
It was hard for the young keeper, who plays for Bradford City
's U-16's, as he was playing in front of a weakened defence and midfield and additionally he would have had little time to build up any understanding.
United were without Ollie Norwood and Nick Ajose who had played for England Schoolboys in the 2-1 victory over Scotland at Scunthorpe on Friday night. Mitchell Bryant was out with a thigh injury and Kenny Strickland had been called up into the U-18's..further....Ollie Gill had returned to the team...still with stitches in a would he suffered at Wolves in mid-November and was a little rusty. However, City were the better side and were deserved winners.
Final Score: City 3 United 0
Team: Filler, Moffatt, Dudgeon, Brown, Gill, Potts, Lampkin, James, Williams, Stewart, Farrelly
Subs: McMaster (6), Bulmer, Byrne (7), Fryer (4)
It has still to be decided if Sam Filler will take a place on the bench for the FA Youth Cup tie at Old Trafford on Thursday.....with Woods and Zieler still injured....and Niki Bulmer too young....United are taking a risk on Ben Amos staying fit...
