U18s: Stoke 1 United 2
United returned to winning ways in the Premier Academy League with Matty James' first goal of the season and a second-half strike by Danny Drinkwater.
In a match shown live on MUTV, the Reds weathered an early storm as their Stoke City hosts forced six corners in the first ten minutes. But United soaked up everything that was thrown at them before taking the lead from a setpiece of their own, when James flicked Drinkwater's 12th-minute corner into the Potters' net.
Stoke's attacking duo McCormick and McDonald ensured the Reds couldn't rest on their laurels; when McDonald was fouled just outside the area by Conor McCormack, a near-namesake for his strike partner, he dusted himself off and fired home the free-kick.
The 1-1 scoreline after 22 minutes reflected the open nature of an entertaining half. Further goals were prevented in part by the bravery of Ben Amos, the United keeper, who dived at the feet of McCormick and McDonald on separate occasions.
United went close to getting a second goal before the break when Ajose ran through on to a good ball from Drinkwater and struck the post with a shot from 12 yards.
The second half was quieter than the first 45, although United had a strong claim for a penalty turned down after Stoke's Andrew Owens brought down Danny Welbeck.
The Reds were not to be denied the victory, however, thanks to Drinkwater drilling the winning shot through the hands of Stoke goalkeeper Steve Ryan and some good defensive work to see out the last 15 minutes.
Following defeats to Man City and Crewe, United coach Paul McGuinness was grateful for this win - the Reds' sixth in a row over Stoke with 15 goals scored in the process.
United: Amos; McCormack, Stewart (Moffat), Strickland, James, Evans, Derbyshire (Brandao), Drinkwater, Bryan (Norwood), Welbeck, Ajose. Sub not used: Woods.
Watch United's next Academy match live on MUTV on Saturday 20 October.
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