First Away Win of 2006

EFC U18s 1 - 2 MCFC U18s

Two second half goals from Ashley Grimes and substitute Ched Evans was enough to see City record back to back victories in the league, their first since October. This also meant that City went top of Academy group C having played their weekend fixture twenty four hours earlier than most.
City dominated most of the attacking play, never letting Everton's possession amount to anything. City, without a couple of their big guns in Shaleum Logan and Daniel Sturridge for most part looked the better side and Everton's goalkeeper, John Ruddy denied Kelvin Etuhu, Grimes and Karl Moore with a string of fine saves in the first half. Worrying for City though was that all these chances and not one had been converted.

City did hold firm and deservedly took the lead in the 61st minute with a fine 30 yard chip from Grimes over the hapless Ruddy. This drove Everton on and they pressed for the equalizer which came ten minutes later. A ball on City's left was not dealt with and Matthewson failed to stop the cross getting over and Matthew Elder was able to finish at the far post.

City almost went back in front straight from the kick off, but Kelvin's shot went wide whilst trying to round Ruddy. They did go in front however when both Grimes and Evans drove into the box and Grimes took a shot but it deflected of Evans, and into the very top corner of the goal, giving Ruddy no chance and thus securing City's second 3 point haul of 2006.

City travel to Nottingham Forest next Wednesday for the youth cup with a much stronger side, so if they play like they have today, they should have no problems.


City: Matthewson(GK), Obeng, Williamson, Breen, McDonald, Marshall(C Evans 46), Williams, Johnson(capt.), Etuhu, Grimes, Moore.

Subs: Vardon, S Evans, Mouritsen, Vidal.