U18s: Middlesbrough v United
Ethan Williams's early brace was enough to seal a 2-0 win for Manchester United Under-18s away to Middlesbrough at The Brewery Field in Spennymoor.
The wide-man, who was utilised as a left wing-back in the north east, fired a fierce free-kick beyond Shea Connor - via a deflection - just one minute into the match, before adding a second soon after, placing Travis Binnion's side firmly in the driving seat.
James Scanlon had two good chances to add to the two-goal lead in the first half, with Victor Musa going close in the second period, but Williams's double remained the difference between the sides come the conclusion of the match.
Middlesbrough threatened on occasion, but it was our Under-18s who dominated the proceedings throughout the afternoon, earning a valuable win in a professional manner.
With under a minute on the clock, Williams won a free-kick in a dangerous area, stepping up to fire the resulting set-piece beyond Connor to give United an early lead.
Middlesbrough looked to respond, with Daniel James lifting his effort over the bar. But moments later, Williams doubled his and United's tally for the day, sliding the ball beyond Connor after being released in behind the hosts' defence.
United continued to threaten as the half progressed, with Scanlon twisting on the edge of the box before unleashing a fierce strike that was turned over the crossbar by the outstretched Connor.
Scanlon went close again just after the 20-minute mark, glancing a header wide after a superb cross by Williams from the left.
The hosts attempted to half the deficit as the interval came into view, but United's defence stood firm, as Binnion's side continued to cause problems for the hosts at the other end of the pitch.
Another strong run down the left by Williams almost resulted in our third of the match, but Scanlon's header once more failed to hit the target, after the midfielder escaped his man in the penalty area.
The beginning of the second half was cagey, but when Charlie Lennon had an opportunity to halve the deficit from the edge of the box, the Middlesbrough midfielder fired over.
On the hour-mark, Jaydan Kamason found Finley McAllister down the right, and after Musa controlled the cross inside the box and turned, his effort went narrowly wide.
Habeeb Ogunneye was next to try his luck, firing a low strike that fizzed across the Teessiders' goal.
Williams was a livewire throughout, and fired another fierce free-kick off target, after being taken down on the edge of the box once more.
In the closing stages, United weren't happy to settle for just two goals, as Binnion's side pushed to put the result beyond doubt. Musa turned outside the penalty area before firing a rasping left-footed shot which flew narrowly over the bar.
There wasn't any further action to be had in the dying moments, with our Under-18s seeing out the match calmly to earn the win.
MATCH DETAILS
United: Harrison; Kamason (Missin 62), Ogunneye, Munro, Nolan (c), Williams; Fitzgerald, McAllister (Biancheri 62), Scanlon (Devaney 82); Wheatley, Musa.
Subs not used: Myles, Norkett.
Goals: Williams 1, 6.