U18 Report: Man City 4-1 Saints

Despite Sam Bellis equalising just after the half-hour mark, following the hosts’ early opener, City then pulled clear as they started their defence of the trophy in impressive fashion.

Saints gave them plenty of trouble throughout the afternoon, though, and went closest early on, as Sam Bailey fired a free-kick just over.

But it was City who made the first breakthrough, as James McAtee’s beautiful pass in behind the defence found Cole Palmer, who coolly slotted past Olly Wright in goal.

After Ryan Cluett had gone close to an equaliser on 23 minutes, firing a shot across goal inches wide from 18 yards, Saints did draw level, as Marco Rus slipped a clever pass through for Bellis, who rounded the keeper and finished.

Unfortunately, Saints couldn’t reach the break on equal terms, as McAtee’s curling effort in the third minute of added time found the far corner to restore City’s advantage.

Saints started the second half well, with Bellis going close to another equaliser, this time on 48 minutes, as he cut sharply inside and bent a shot just past the far post.

Jack Turner then sent a right-footed strike from the right side of the area inches over, as Paul Hardyman’s side continued to press.

But they were dealt a big blow on 65 minutes, as Oscar Gobb gave the home side a two-goal cushion, driving in on an angle and finishing well at the near post.

City then wrapped things up with five minutes left, as Samuel Edozie sent a low shot into the far corner from a tight angle.