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Manchester United u21s started off the inaugural National League Cup with an away trip to Forest Green Rovers.
The home side, who are currently in second place in the National League, fielded a number of experienced players, including 32 year old Christian Doidge, who is their top goalscorer in the league.
The quality of Doidge was an eye opener for United’s young stars as the experienced striker opened the scoring in just the third minute. Doidge’s pressure on Finley McAllister caused the United man to cough up possession and then Doidge ran into the box to finish expertly from a tight angle.
Despite the shaky start, United regained their composure and soon took control of the match, pinning Forest Green back into their half.
While the first string of attacks from United struggled to threaten Forest Green, a quick counter attack just before the half hour mark dealt the lethal blow they were looking for to level the score.
Malachi Sharpe picked up the ball in the United half before charging up field and setting Ethan Ennis free down the right wing. Continuing his run into the box, Sharpe received the return cross from Ennis to finish at the near post.
Just four minutes later United took the lead with the move originating from the right wing again. After moving the ball around well, the move finished with Habeeb Ogunneye picking out Ethan Ennis in a central area to smash the ball into the roof of the net.
It wasn’t all smooth sailing for Travis Binnion’s side though, as Forest Green hit back just two minutes later. After not taking advantage of a few opportunities to stick a foot in and clear, the ball was laid back to Harvey Bunker arriving late in the box to volley into the ground and deflect off of Jack Kingdon and into the goal.
Remaining 2-2 at the break, United came clos…mourhouse 68), Gore (Kukonki 76), Sharpe, Baumann, Mather (Williams 68), Ennis (Musa 68)
Unused subs: Graczyk, Mantato
Featured image Ian MacNicol via Getty Images
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