U18s: Manchester United v Manchester City
Manchester United's Under-18s lost 3-1 to our crosstown rivals Manchester City in Saturday's U18 Premier League clash at Carrington.
The Blues took the lead after just 12 minutes when Nico O'Reilly smashed home from close range, before the City no.10 added a second from 25 yards out on the half-hour mark.
Our young Reds battled on during the second period and pulled a goal back with ten minutes left to go, as Ethan Williams' in-swinging corner delivery was headed home by Louis Jackson.
But our rivals added a third with just a minute left to play, as Seb Naylor's well-placed free-kick flew past Elyh Harrison to complete the scoring.
Justin Oboavwoduo's shot from 20 yards out marked the first threat on United's goal after just two minutes at Carrington. His effort was well saved by Harrison.
United instantly responded with a chance of our own shortly after, as Williams drove into the area before being denied by City goalkeeper George Murray-Jones.
The frantic opening exchanges soon continued, with Finley McAllister seeing his effort cleared off the line by Jahmai Simpson-Pusey, denying the Reds an early opener.
A swift move from the Blues down the right saw the ball flash all the way across United's six-yard box, as O'Reilly netted from an acute angle in the 14th minute.
City doubled their lead with half an hour played in the contest, as O'Reilly doubled both his and the visitors' tally by lofting the ball over Harrison from 25 yards out.
SECOND HALF
As the second half began, Harrison was again called into action to keep the score at 2-0. The ball fell kindly to Jaden Heskey inside the six-yard area, before Harrison did well to smother the danger.
Joel Ndala was the next player to come forward for the visitors as he cut inside before letting loose with a right-footed striker; United's goalkeeper was again on hand to save well.
Manni Norkett's charging run forward and cross into the box unfortunately came to no avail as the young Reds looked to grab a goal back heading into the final stages.
Our patience was soon rewarded as Williams' in-swinging corner delivery was headed home well by Jackson with ten minutes left to go at Carrington.
But the scoring was soon completed by City just nine minutes later, as Seb Naylor's free-kick whizzed past Harrison to make it 3-1 and quell any hopes of a late comeback.
Jack Moorhouse's late drive at goal presented the final action of the game, with Murray-Jones palming his effort away.
MATCH DETAILS
United: Harrison; Nolan, Ogunneye, Jackson, Murray (c); McAllister (Moorhouse, 79), Fitzgerald (Aljofree, 85); Lacey (Scanlon, 85), Berry (Norkett, 63), Williams; Wheatley.
Subs not used: Murdock.
Goal: Jackson 80.