Under-18s: United v Arsenal

The young Reds came out on top in an entertaining tie at Carrington, which produced six goals, a red card and plenty of action. 

When the contest got under way, each team showed attacking intent in a first half of few chances.

But it was United who went into the break ahead. Jack Kingdon tapped into an empty net from close range in the 42nd minute, after Jack Fletcher’s corner from the right was glanced on at the near post by James Nolan.

Arsenal responded at the start of the second half and levelled matters in the 59th minute. Osman Kamara embarked on a mazy run from the left and, after being denied by Reds keeper Elyh Harrison, the ball ricocheted back into his path and he converted from close range.

But United roared back and went in front again three minutes later. Ethan Williams won the ball from Josh Nichols, advanced towards goal and rifled a shot into the corner of the net.

The lead lasted only seven minutes as Nichols picked up the ball and arrowed a low effort into the bottom corner from 20 yards to equalise for the visitors.

Both teams carried a threat as they pushed for a winner, which almost came when Ethan Wheatley raced through in the 85th minute but he was thwarted by a brilliant save from Arsenal keeper Alexei Rojas.

The Gunners stopper also kept out a low Williams drive and a Louis Jackson header as the Reds upped the ante in stoppage time, but couldn’t prevent extra-time.

Arsenal almost grabbed the lead three minutes after play resumed but Reds keeper Harrison made an important stop to palm away Harrison Dudziak’s half-volley inside the box.

It proved important as United went ahead, for the third time in the game, in the 98th minute. Williams controlled Nolan’s forward pass, moved away from two Arsenal defenders and found the bottom corner from just outside the penalty area.

Our no.11 turned provider six minutes later when his corner from the left was headed home from six yards by Jackson to give the Reds a two-goal cushion.

It was almost even better for United as Wheatley’s low drive was kept out by Rojas and Nolan flashed a volley narrowly wide, but Adam Lawrence’s side had done enough to progress to the last four of the competition.

The last notable action came in the 119th minute when Arsenal defender Luis Brown was sent off for a second bookable offence for holding Nolan’s shirt.

MATCH DETAILS

United: Harrison; Nolan, Jackson, Kingdon, Amass; McAllister (c) (Ogunneye 66), Fitzgerald; Scanlon (Musa 31), J.Fletcher (Biancheri 83), Williams; Wheatley.

Substitutes not used: Myles, Munro.

Goals: Kingdon 42, Williams 61, 98, Jackson 105; Kamara 59, Nichols 69

Booked: McAllister, Kingdon