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Buckley stars as Youth march on

28/ 2/2008

MIDDLETON-based Manchester Youth under 17s are through to the semi-finals of the Manchester County under 18s cup.

They came up against favourites Curzon Ashton and gave them little time to settle on the ball.

It was against the run of play that Curzon took the lead. A long ball knocked into the area was flicked on by Blair, and unlucky defender Toby Iloba could only head the ball into his own net.

Manchester rolled their sleeves up and drew level on 18 minutes. Curzon defenders failed to deal with a long throw into the box, and the ball hit three defenders before finding its way into the net.

Manchester then took control and went in front following a slick move started by Sam Freakes. Mark Reeves slipped in Jamie Mack who spun his marker only to be dragged back. Mack sent the keeper the wrong way from the spot.

Curzon hit back, but Manchester keeper Robert Froggatt made a point-blank save from Byrne and another from Brownskill.

Curzon were reduced to 10 men early in the second half when they had a player sent off, but with six minutes left they forced an equaliser through Leach.

On it went into extra time, and Manchester were awarded another penalty when Mack was dragged back. Black saved the kick, but Curtis Williams hammered home the rebound.

Two minutes later a long throw from Williams was met by Mack who looped the ball into the net to make it 4-2.

Osahon Osawe burst past defenders to claim Manchester's fifth, but Curzon were still not finished and Finnegan narrowed the gap with a late strike.

John Buckley was named as man of the match for his great all-round performance, but mention must be made of keeper Froggatt who gave a fine display.

l TIM Moffatt was player of the match as Middleton Boys under 11s B beat Farnworth Wildcats 5-2.

Middleton started to get a grip on the game after a spell of even play, and it wasn’t long before they broke the deadlock.

Simon Riley went charging down the wing, and his cross was deflected off a defender to Corey Goodey who headed home.

The lead was extended within minutes. A magnificent interchange of passing between Tunmise Ojo and Oliver Cleworth put Riley away down the right, and his ball into the middle was lashed home by Corey Goodey.

Farnworth had their chances but were denied by Daniel Ducie who pulled off some top-class saves.

The game was put beyond Farnworth when Middleton added a third just before half time. Tim Moffatt's long throw found Oliver Cleworth whose low cross was prodded home by Ojo.

A fourth came early in the second half. Simon Riley’s persistence won him the ball which he cut back for Cleworth to score.

The fifth and final Middleton goal came midway through the half. Tom Gorton picked up the ball in his own half, jinked his way through, and thumped a great shot into a corner of the net.

Farnworth were more in the game in the late stages, but they came up against Moffatt who was immense in defence.

The visitors did pull one back by way of a consolation.