- Man City reach the Premier League 2 semi-finals
- Ben Wilkinson’s side twice came from behind
- Kaiden Braithwaite completed the comeback
Manchester City booked their place in the Premier League 2 play-off semi-finals after coming from behind twice to beat Aston Villa 3-2 at Bodymoor Heath.
After beating Arsenal in the Round of 16, Man City’s Elite Development Squad progressed to the semi-finals with a 3-2 win over Aston Villa yesterday.
They had previously defeated the Lions 4-0 in the league phase in March. However, Friday night’s knockout proved much more difficult for the visitors.
Despite falling behind in the opening minutes, the Sky Blues made a comeback twice. The U21 side finally sealed the deal in the second half, completing the comeback.
Man City respond after early Aston Villa opener
Aston Villa didn’t wait for permission as the home side took the lead just two minutes into the game. Goalkeeper Spike Brits got down quickly for a bottom corner save, but couldn’t reach the rebound.
George Hemmings was denied on the first chance, and then Villa captain Bradley-Paul Burrowes quickly shot the ball in an almost open net.
However, just four minutes later, Ryan McAidoo finds himself free on the wing. Floyd Samba makes a run after making the pass, crossing it straight inside the box for Mahamadou Sangare, who doesn’t miss the header.
Both sides had further chances in the first half, with Burrowes continuing to cause problems for the visitors and Sangare also going close to adding another for City.
Second-half comeback seals semi-final spot
Villa struck again almost immediately after the restart with Luka Lynch firing into the top corner as he was left open right in the dead centre.
However, City refused to dwell on the setback. The Citizens drew level just 13 minutes after the Villa goal, continuing to pressure the home side.
This time, it was Sangare who passed the ball to Samba in the box. Despite pressure on the Englishman, the midfielder produced a composed finish through a defender’s leg, making it 2-2.
Just five minutes later, the turnaround was complete. Charlie Gray receives the ball under no pressure in the midfield.
The Englishman then picks out Kaden Braithwaite, who makes a run to the far post. The City defender volleyed the ball, which first hit the inside of the post, eventually going in.
Man City set up possible derby semi-final
Man City will now host either Manchester United or Crystal Palace at the Joie Stadium in the play-off semi-finals.
A meeting with United would mean another derby occasion for the U21 side. The U18 side are already set to face United in the FA Youth Cup final on the 9th of May.
For Wilkinson’s boys, however, the focus will now be on preparing for the next stage of the competition, whose dates are yet to be decided.
