r League North Manchester City U18 3 (Miles 32′, Musaka 45′, 88′) Leeds United U18 2 (Pickles 65′ pen, Bird 74′) Man City: Hudson (GK), Henderson-Hall, Parker, Braithwaite, Thomas, Miles (Courtman 59’), McAidoo, Gorman (Batty 70’), Fletcher (Warhurst 70’), Mukasa, Dunbar-McDonald (Fapetu 67’). Subs not used: Grigg (GK). Leeds: Kenyon (GK), Firth, Bird, Whitehead, Billett, Hamilton, White, Pickles, Boast, Lane, Render (Morris 75’). Subs not used: Wood (GK), Watson, Simo, Mills. Venue: City Football Academy Referee: Charles King Booked: Braithwaite, Mukasa (Man City) Leeds United Under-18s were cruelly denied a much-deserved point in the dying stages as they were beaten by a strong Manchester City Under-18s side away from home, despite second half goals from Oliver Pickles and Coban Bird.

Man City quickly demonstrated their strength, forcing Leeds’ number one George Kenyon to make a crucial save against Luca Fletcher up front. Despite City’s early lead, the Whites had plenty of opportunities, with Bird causing trouble for the opposing fullback on the left wing  causing trouble for his opposing fullback darting up and down the flank.

Man City quickly demonstrated their strength as Leeds’ number one, George Kenyon, was put into action in the first few minutes of the game, making a fine stop with his left foot to deny Luca Fletcher up front for the hosts. Despite City’s quick start, the Whites were far from short of opportunities, with Bird enjoying joy on the left wing, causing havoc for his opponent fullback by dashing up and down the flank. As the half went, each team settled into their roles, gaining a fair share of possession and build-up play but failing to create any clear-cut opportunities.

Leeds had their first dangerous sight of goal in the 20th minute, when Oliver Boast came close to breaking the deadlock. Logan White’s clever in-swinging cross grazed the forward’s head, but it was insufficient to challenge City goalkeeper Max Hudson. Despite the danger from the Whites, the hosts scored first. Harrison Miles struck from a distance after half an hour. With City attempting to expand their lead, Kenyon was called upon to make another critical save, this time denying Harrison Parker’s low driven shot across the goal. Finally, it was the home team who finished the half on a high. Divine Mukasa scored a close-range goal to extend City’s lead at halftime.

Half-time: Manchester City U18 2-0 Leeds United U18. Rob Etherington’s side’s desire to reduce the gap was clear from the start of the second session. Boast scored after a high press and an intercepted pass across the area. Although the striker’s attempt was brilliantly saved, the Whites sent out warning flags. In what was becoming an exciting, end-to-end match, the hosts felt they had sealed the tie when winger Christian Dunbar-McDonald scored, but the assistant’s offside flag gave the visitors hope of a comeback.

In the 64th minute, Kaden Braithwaite knocked down Boast in the penalty area, causing a significant change in the game’s trajectory. Referee Charles King pointed to the spot and gave Braithwaite his marching instructions after denying him a clear goalscoring opportunity. Pickles went up and confidently converted from the spot, sending Hudson the wrong way with his shot into the bottom left corner! Kenyon, who had already made several saves, was once again essential when called upon, providing the best of the bunch with 20 minutes remaining as he somehow saved a Ryan McAidoo drive that was destined for the top corner. Although Leeds were leading the search for an equalizer the home side showed their danger when Mukasa broke free on a counterattack, only for a sublime recovering challenge from Josh Hamilton to keep the deficit to one

Etherington’s side levelled things up in spectacular fashion, with skipper Bird unleashing a magnificent, looping drive from the edge of the box that soared into the top left corner. Despite the best efforts of everyone in white, United were defeated as City won the tie in the closing moments thanks to Mukasa’s close-range strike. Leeds will have a chance to recoup their losses when the two sides meet in the FA Youth Cup’s Fifth Round.