U18s: Middlesbrough 0 United 2

Manchester United secured victory in the Under-18 Premier League Cup tie against Middlesbrough, with Samuel Lusale scoring both goals in a 2-0 win on the road.

The blustery conditions, and effects of Storm Amy, made life difficult for both sets of players but the Reds took our chances well and defended valiantly throughout.

Goalkeeper Fred Heath made one outstanding save which proved vital, before Lusale provided some breathing space with a clinical finish.

Both sides wore black armbands and observed a minute’s silence before the start, to respect the recent synagogue attack in Manchester, as was the case in the Under-16s’ match on the adjacent pitch at Rockcliffe Park.

The majority of the first half was dominated by the defences, with neither side capable of carving out any noteworthy opportunities.

Lusale provided a moment of danger for Boro keeper Joseph Richardson when he charged down an attempted clearance, almost capitalising on some slight hesitation.

Heath was equal to the first shot of the afternoon while, at the other end, James Bailey’s cross was well claimed by Richardson.

The opening goal came two minutes before the break, when a United free-kick on our right was recycled and Gabriel bravely battled for a loose ball, appearing to head it into the path of Lusale, who supplied a first-time vollley into the net.

The Teessiders protested for a foul in the build-up but the goal was given and Gabriel, after receiving treatment, was given a pat on the back by lead coach Darren Fletcher for his endeavour.

Nathaniel Junior Brown pulled a shot wide soon after the restart but Middlesbrough enjoyed their best spell of the match soon afterwards.

Heath made another comfortable save before drawing applause from the crowd for diving to turn away a goalbound effort by physical home centre-forward Cruz Ibel.

It was becoming a battle and James Bailey epitomised the commitment with one full-blooded tackle, as the Reds dug in until Fletcher made a double change.

One of the substitutes, Douka Nkoto, won the ball magnificently in midfield and threaded a pass through to Lusale, who showed composure to slip a calm finish wide of Richardson for 2-0, with 13 minutes left.

A home corner nearly blew in on the wind but United came just as close when Eddie Ibrovic-Fletcher latched onto Jacob Watson’s pass and cut in, only to see his shot bobble agonisingly wide.

Lusale was denied a hat-trick opportunity by a last-ditch tackle as the Reds finished strongly in difficult conditions.

MATCH DETAILS

United: Heath; Helafu (Ngwashi 80), McCormack, Mills, J.Watson; McEvoy (D.Nkoto 73), Thwaites (c), Bailey; Brown (Ibrovic-Fletcher 80), Gabriel (Shah 73), Lusale.

Sub not used: Z.Watson.

Scorer: Lusale 43,77.

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