U18s: Manchester United v Leeds United
Manchester United's Under-18s beat Leeds United 3-1 at Carrington on Tuesday evening in the U18 Premier League, thanks to goals from James Scanlon, Manni Norkett and Ethan Wheatley.
Scanlon handed Travis Binnion's side the lead after just two minutes played in the contest, firing home after Jack Moorhouse had done well in the build-up to create the opportunity.
Leeds then levelled the scoring on the stroke of half-time when Heaton Brown tapped home following Max McFadden's low cross into the penalty area.
But two goals from Norkett and Wheatley ensured victory for the young Reds, with both strikes coming inside the final twenty minutes of action.
Travis Binnion's side flew into the lead in the second minute after Moorhouse collected the ball in midfield before driving forward and playing in Scanlon, who smashed home past Mahady.
The Reds had a big shout for a penalty denied soon after, as Shea Lacey's neat pass in behind found the feet of Manni Norkett, who appeared to be bundled over inside the penalty area. Referee Louie Smith waived away the claims.
Lacey's mazy run-through on goal from the right flank almost resulted in our second moments later, with his chipped effort coming back off the woodwork before trickling back into play for the visitors to clear.
Joe Billett went through one-on-one as the first half continued, with Elyh Harrison called into action for the first time to deny the Whites full-back.
McFadden's free-kick from the edge of the penalty area failed to threaten Harrison as his set piece flew over the crossbar, with Leeds continuing to mount pressure.
The visitors' persistence soon paid off just moments before the interval, as McFadden's low cross into the area was tapped home by Brown to level the scoring.
Some strong hold-up play from Norkett enabled him to spin and play in Moorhouse, who was unfortunate to see his first-time strike fly over the crossbar.
With 72 minutes gone, United went ahead once more in the game, as Norkett found the net for the 10th time this season. Sam Mather's lofted pass fell kindly to the Reds' forward, who smashed home to restore our lead.
Samuel Chambers found both time and space to shoot on sight as the game entered its final knockings, with Harrison again producing a super save to keep his side ahead.
The Reds added a third goal with just moments remaining, as Lacey's dazzling run saw the youngster beat four Leeds players before his chipped effort again hit the frame of the goal.
Wheatley was on hand to tap home from close range, completing the scoring and making sure of the victory.
United: Harrison; Kamason, Jackson (Fitzgerald, 35), Nolan, Murray (Missin, 60); McAllister (Mather, 60), Moorhouse (Wheatley, 60); Williams, Lacey, Scanlon; Norkett.
Subs not used: Myles.
Goals: Scanlon 2, Norkett 72, Wheatley 90.