BLADES BLUNT SHARP CITY

MCFC U18s 1 - 1 SUFC U18s
by Andrew Waldon

The U18’s had Slovakian keeper Filip Mentel to thank for maintaining their exceptional start to the season. Mentel back in goals following a knee injury he sustained in the opening fixture of the new campaign, produced two second half saves, to ensure City benefited from a share of the points against a resilient Sheffield United.

The side started brightly and right back Kieran Trippier was unlucky to see his corner on 19 minutes, hit the top of the bar aided by the hand of The Blades exquisitely named keeper Kang Ho Lee.

One could agree with Bobby Charlton’s comments earlier in the week about the number of foreign players in academy sides. City had their trio of Slovakians aided by a Cypriot and a Somalian. Whilst a quick glance at the team sheet showed Sheffield had a Korean, an Italian and a Frenchman with possibly some other nationalities judging by their names.

Scott Kay gave City the lead on 33 minutes with a sweet low drive from twenty yards, following good work by Ian Daly in the box, who laid it back for Scott and his first time shot nestled in the bottom of the goal.

Sheffield threatened in the second half as City appeared to sit back on their laurels, and their persistence finally paid dividends seven minutes from time, when a Sheffield defender in an attacking position floated the ball over Mentel's head.

Still one point allowed City to maintain their position at the top of their league.

Team: Mentel, Trippier, McGivern, Ramsey, Mee, Kay, Weiss (Morris), Tsiaklis, I Daly (Cunningham), Mak (Redshaw), McDermott
Subs: Clegg (GK), Ibrahim


The U16’s also continued their unbeaten start to the season, but only just. Trailing by two goals at half time they fought back to level things, only to fall behind again. A late penalty however restored parity.


Next Games: Sunderland (H) 12.30 kick off