The Academy of Manchester United Under-18s traveled to Blackburn yesterday to try and turn their fortunes around after a disappointing FA Youth Cup exit. Despite controlling the game, United fell behind in the 32nd minute when Eliu Harrison’s volley of the ball spilled on its way down and Junior Nsangou nodded it into the open goal. However, United quickly responded when Maxi Oyedele turned the game around for Ethan Williams, who whistled a cross to the back post that was inches from Shea Lacey. The game then saw a flurry of activity when Dominic Binnick coolly slotted a penalty into the center to put Blackburn ahead early in the half, and then Sam Murray got to the byline and fired to 15-year-old Jace Fitzgerald, who slotted past the keeper in the 40th minute. Dan Gore then tied the game in the 75th minute with Lacey’s shot into the top left corner, and then in the 89th minute Lacey found Kingdon had headed home from six yards to secure the win. This victory puts United in third place, eight points behind league leaders Manchester City, with four games to go.
of Manchester United Under-18s traveled to Blackburn yesterday to bounce back from a disappointing FA Youth Cup exit in midweek.
United’s opening moment came courtesy of Ethan Williams’ one-on-one strike from Shea Lacey’s pass, but there was not enough power to trouble the keeper.
Despite controlling the game, United fell behind in the 32nd minute. A long ball tucked into the box was picked up by Eliu Harrison but the volley of the ball spilled on its way down and the ball was pushed back and Junior Nsangou nodded into the open goal.
United reacted almost instantly when Maxi Oyedele turned the game around for Williams, who whistled a cross to the back post that was inches from the onrushing Lacey.
Blackburn had a huge chance to double their advantage when Harrison tripped and the ball went across the box to Harley O’Grady-McCann for a free-kick which was eventually saved by Jack Kingdon’s fantastic last-ditch block.
The block proved crucial as United immediately moved up the other end to equalize when Sam Murray got to the byline and fired to 15-year-old Jace Fitzgerald, who slotted past the keeper in the 40th minute.
The equalizer was short-lived, however, as Blackburn broke through the middle just after the break before Kingdon brought down the striker and converted a penalty.
Dominic Binnick coolly slotted a penalty into the center to put Blackburn ahead early in the half.
Williams created a danger early in the second half when he broke through his right foot and aimed for the far corner, but was stopped by the keeper’s outstretched arm.
Dan Gore tied the game in the 75th minute with Lacey’s shot into the top left corner.
It was a game for 15-year-olds, with Lacey again playing the role of a last-minute winner in the 89th minute.
Taking a free-kick from the right touchline, Lacey found Kingdon had headed home from six yards.
Victory sets United in third place, eight points behind league leaders Manchester City, but with four games to go.
United: Harrison, Nolan (Jackson, 46), Algeoffrey, Kingdon, Murray, Oyedele (Gore, 46), Fitzgerald, Lacey, Scanlon, Williams (Moussa, 66), Norkett
Unused substitutes: Worcester
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