(Manchester United News)
Jordan Thompson’s last-gasp goal gave Manchester United a deserved victory in the opening game of the play-off phase of the Barclays Under-18 Premier League competition against West Bromwich Albion in Walsall.
Charlie Scott, who had just taken the field to replaced the injured Tyler Reid, set up the winner with his first touch of the ball and Thompson did the rest with an assured shot past Albion keeper Ethan Ross.
It was just reward for the Reds who had improved markedly in the second half following a finally-balanced opening session. The game opened in a lively mood with both teams making a creating opportunity inside two minutes. Reds keeper Dean Henderson needed to be alert from the kick-off to make a save low down from Albion striker Tahvon Campbell and then, seconds later, Marcus Rashford looked certain to give United the lead but his shot fizzed past the post.
It was a terrific start to the match and it certainly wasn’t a flash in the pan as both teams continued to approach the game with gusto as the first half unfolded. In the 13th minute, Albion’s Andre Wright thought he had opened the scoring but Henderson did well again to ensure his goal wasn’t breached.
Thompson was inches away from finding the net, in the 32nd minute, when he headed over the bar from Callum Gribbin’s corner. The high tempo nature of the contest continued right through the opening half with the referee looking determined to allow the game to flow.
United introduced Demetri Mitchell and Ruairi Croskery after the break with Zachary Dearnley and Joe Riley departing the scene. Early indications suggested that there would be no let up in the pace of the match as both sides maintained their high-energy performances.
Devonte Redmond twice chanced his luck with long-range shots – one a free-kick – but neither really tested Ross in the Albion goal. The Reds were certainly moving the ball around with more purpose, but it just wasn’t happening for them in the last third of the pitch.
Paul McGuinness’ side dominated the later stages of the game but most of their attempts on goal were restricted shots from distance with both Gribbin and Thompson going close. However, as the game appeared to be heading for stalemate, then came Scott and Thompson’s dramatic intervention and United were celebrating their late success.
