U18s: Nottingham Forest v Manchester United

Following last weekend's match at Derby County, Adam Lawrence's side maintained our unbeaten record in the U18 Premier League North after experiencing another worthwhile test at The Nigel Doughty Academy.

United's start was rewarded in the opening five minutes when Jaydan Kamason released captain Finley McAllister, whose low cross was converted from close range by Gabriele Biancheri.

The young Reds had the ball in the net again on 20 minutes when McAllister’s scooped cross was headed in by Ashton Missin, but the referee adjudged that the ball had gone out of play in the build-up.

But it did count seven minutes later as our lead was doubled in scrappy circumstances. Harry Amass’s set-piece from the left was met by Reece Munro, whose header was kept out by Willows and the loose ball was turned in by Forest defender Jimmy Sinclair as he battled with Biancheri.

Forest replied instantly to reduce the deficit when Danny Anisjko weaved his way into the penalty area and squared for Isaac Davies to rifle into the roof of the net.

As United chased a third goal, Kamason cut inside and tested Willows with a left-footed shot, before Missin drilled a low snapshot inches wide.

But Forest came close just before the break as United keeper Thomas Myles produced his first save, tipping over a dipping long-range effort from Archie Whitehall.

After an even start to the second half, a trialist brought Forest level on 57 minutes. The Tricky Trees no.8 bundled home from close range after Connor Brown’s progress was initially halted following a quick breakaway.

United almost replied immediately as Ruben Curley fired a shot wide from Biancheri’s lay-off shortly after.

Forest improved throughout the second half but United still battled away. Victor Musa scooped the ball over under pressure from Forest defender Kevin Adueni, as he met a low centre by Missin.

As our young Reds pushed for a late winner, Biancheri went close on two occasions and substitute Jim Thwaites curled a shot off target.

The hosts were reduced to 10 players in the 90th minute when defender Tony Gbopo was shown a second yellow card, for a late lunge on Biancheri just outside the box.

But United couldn’t make the numerical advantage count in stoppage time as we had to settle for a point.

MATCH DETAILS

United: Myles; Kamason (Thwaites 75), Munro, Kingdon, Amass; Devaney, McAllister (c); Musa, Curley (Baumann 62), Missin; Biancheri.

Subs not used: Armer, Byrne-Hughes, Bailey.

Goals: Biancheri 5, Sinclair 27 og | Davies 28, Trialist 57.

Booked: Munro, Amass.