Full-time report as United's youngsters beat Bristol City
United’s under 18s came from behind to go through in the first round of the FA Youth Cup at Didcot this evening. Trailing to Bristol City at the break, goals from Josh Morgan-Williams and Jordan Graham saw Chris Allen's side through to face Swindon Town at home in the next round.
An even first half hour played at a fierce pace saw both sides fully committed but chances at a premium. Connor Lemonheigh-Evans sent a volley just wide of United keeper Jack Stevens' right-hand post with the first chance of the game before United’s Morgan-Williams dragged a 31st-minute shot wide of the mark at the other end.
The lively George Jeacock sent a well-struck shot into the arms of City keeper Jojo Wollacott on 35, Graham leaned back and sent a 37th-minute effort over the bar from the edge of the area but Lemonheigh-Evans missed what looked the chance of the half when he rolled the ball wide after beating the United back line on 38, and winger Jake Andrews nodded similarly wide on 40 as the game opened up and chances started to come.
A goal was coming as City had their best spell of the game, and right on half time a deep cross from the left eluded the United back line and Andrews powered his header past the stranded Stevens to make it 1-0 at the break.
City grew from that goal but two good saves from Stevens kept his side in it and turned the game. First he got down well to his right to tip a low shot from Tom Fry around the post, then he made another good save from a Morrell free kick. Having ridden their luck, United then drew level on 62 as Welch-Hayes hung a cross up from the right-hand side. Morgan-Williams rose highest and showed great technique to send a downwards header into the net via the base of the left-hand post.
Now Chris Allen’s side came at the Robins and on 66 only a good save from Wollacott kept a Graham free kick out of the top corner. It was a fine cup tie and the sides exchanged chances; Lemonheigh-Evans went close at one end, Seth Humphries forced Wollacott into a save at the other.
United had dominated the latter stages of the game and deservedly went through as the non-stop Freddie Grant and AJ George combined for a low cross from George which Graham flicked home at the near post.
An excellent win from the United youngsters who had battled so hard and should be very proud of their efforts
Att: 260
United
Stevens, Welch-Hayes, Cundy, A Grant, F Grant, Hayden, Humphries, George, Jeacock (Hastings 52), Graham, Morgan-Williams