April 18th 2009, 11am
Thorp Arch, Leeds
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– |  |
| Leeds United U18s | 4-4 | Manchester United U18s |
| Hatfield 12 (pen), 69 | – | Wootton 3 |
| Watson 37 | – | Brady 53 |
| Jones 86 | – | King 61 |
| – | – | Tunnicliffe 83 |
It wasn’t a game that the defenders and goalkeepers involved will look back upon fondly, but everyone else was treated to a terrific spectacle at Thorp Arch this morning as United’s U18s and their hosts Leeds shared eight goals in a feisty, thrilling encounter. The Reds took an early lead through Scott Wootton’s header but found themselves trailing 2-1 at the break as the home side took control, Will Hatfield (from the penalty spot) and Adam Watson finding the target.
Some deft substitutions from Paul McGuinness saw United turn the game on its head again early in the second half, Robbie Brady’s freekick drawing them level before Joshua King put the finishing touches to a great team move to put the Reds ahead. Some good fortune with the bounce of the ball saw the sides exchange goals, Hatfield first equalising for Leeds before Ryan Tunnicliffe got what he hoped would be the winner seven minutes from time. That wasn’t to be though, Sam Jones curling home a terrific free-kick three minutes later to earn his side a share of the points – a deserved outcome after a terrifically entertaining match.
United Youth 