Ogwuru double inspires Under-18s to beat Wolves | OneFootball

Manchester City beat Wolverhampton Wanderers 4-0 in a dramatic encounter to remain 10 points clear at the top of the Under-18s Premier League North

Despite the hosts starting the stronger, Dan Ogwuru put us in the lead on 25 minutes after a cross from Seb Naylor.

Naylor was then went off after the half time whistle following a conversation with the referee, as we played the second half without the left back.

Ogwuru put us in control just before the hour mark, scoring our second goal on the counter attack.

Hayden Carson was shown a red card after a dangerous challenge on Farid Alfa-Ruprecht, as both teams finished the game with 10-men.

City ran riot in the last few minutes with an exquisite solo goal from Joel Ndala was followed by a four goal from the in-form Justin Oboavwoduo.

WHAT HAPPENED

Ben Wilkinson’s young side were playing their first away game in seven weeks. Wolves took advantage being the home side and pressed well in the opening stages of the game.

But it was Nico O’Reilly who had the first effort of the match. He tried to beat Stanley Amos in the Wolves goal who was off his line, but the keeper hurried back in time to catch the attempt comfortably.

City were trying their luck by playing balls through the defence but were unable to beat the offside trap set up by the Wolves back line on two occasions in quick succession.

The breakthrough was in our future. Max Alleyne sent a long ball to the left for Seb Naylor to chase, he won back possession before playing the ball across to Dan Ogwuru, who was all alone to slot in from close range.

We had plenty of the ball after the goal, but we struggled to break through the Wolves packed defence.

Instead, Ogwuru, who was on for a brace, attempted to curl a shot in from distance but it went straight into the palms of Amos.

Just as the half time whistle blew, Naylor was shown a red card for saying something to the referee, as we started the second half with 10 men.

Although, this did not stop us pressing for the second goal. Jacob Wright played in a cross for Joel Ndala who lacked firepower behind his shot.

On 57 minutes, Ogwuru struck again. Ndala brought the ball away on the counter attack, he turned his defender and moved it on to Justin Oboavwoduo.

The attacker put in a low cross for Ogwuru, who sent a rocket of a shot off the bar and into the back of net.

Less than five minutes, he could’ve had his hat-trick. He creates space for himself in the box, but was unable to connect with the ball, as he saw his shot drag wide of the target.

Soon after, both teams were playing with 10 players.

Wolves centre back, Hayden Carson put in a dangerous challenge on substitute Farid Alfa-Ruprecht, as the referee showed his red card for the second time.

As the clock ticked onto 90 minutes, Ndala set off a sumptuous solo drive, swerving past defenders before placing the ball into the net.

And City were not done there. Oboavwdouo took aim at the keeper who misjudged the shot, as it rolled under him, to make it four goals to cap off an brilliant but battling performance.

HOW WE LINED UP

George Murray-Jones returned between the posts for this one, with a back four of Jacob Wright, Jahmai Simpson-Pusey, Max Alleyne and Seb Naylor protecting the goal.

Isaiah Dada-Mascoll sat in front of the defence, with Michael Okeke and Nico O’Reilly pushing further ahead linking midfield to attack.

Dan Ogwuru played as a sole striker, with in-form Justin Oboavwoduo and Joel Ndala supporting him on the flanks.

Wolverhampton Wanderers U18s

XI: Amos, Shamar, Diomande, Mabete (Salmon 46'), Carson, Igbinoghene (White 63'), McLeod (Bradbury 58'), Rees, Edozie, Harper, Reynolds

Subs: Patterson, Ji

Manchester City U18s

XI: Murray-Jones, Wright, Simpson-Pusey, Alleyne, Naylor, Okeke (Muir 81'), Dada-Mascoll (Gray 81'), O’Reilly (C) (Harrison 76'), Oboavwoduo, Ogwuru (Alfa-Ruprecht 69'), Ndala

Subs: Whatmuff

WHAT IT MEANS

A ninth successive victory keeps us 10 points clear at the top of the Under-18s Premier League North with second placed Sunderland also winning 5-2 this afternoon against Liverpool.

However, the Black Cats do have three games in hand to close the gap to just one point.

WHAT'S NEXT

A week and a half break will end when we travel down to the capital to face north London outfit, Arsenal in the semi-finals of the FA Youth Cup at the Emirates Stadium.

The young Gunners booked their place into the next round after a 3-2 win over Cambridge United.

Kick off is scheduled for 19:00 (UK) on Tuesday 4 April.