Elite Development Squad Beat Villa 2-0

Ewen Fields Stadium hosted last night's EDS match against Aston Villa, which City won 2-0.

Both Clubs fielded young teams mainly under 21 and the result was a hard fought encounter between two sides looking to win. This match had it all..quality wide play, robust tackling, goalmouth action, a series of fine saves by Villa's goalkeeper, yellow cards a red card and sadly two players carried off injured. And it was played out in front of a bumper crowd of 654 on Ewen Fields magnificent snooker table of a pitch.

It was end to end stuff from the off with both teams going close. Ahead of the half hour it looked as though the visitors had taken the lead but the Assistant's flag ruled a well taken goal offside. In the build-up Lichaj was involved in a collision which ended his night as he later headed to Tameside for additional treatment. Our best wishes are with this promising young player who has been on the fringes of the Villa first team in the early part of this season.

To add insult to the injury shortly afterwards,on the half hour Scott Kay worked the channels superbly for City setting up Alex Nimely who slotted in from just inside the box, but who too then collided with goalkeeper, Parrish, and was to take no further part. Ahmed Benali replaced him.

This was an excellent match and both teams could have scored as the second half progressed. Parrish made a string of fine saves for Villa. With City taking command a rather robust challenge by Nathan Baker saw the referee heading for his pocket and the second yellow meant that it was home time for Baker.

Within a minute Abdi Ibrahim drove in an excellent shot from just outside the box to make it 2-0 for City.

After that the floodgates should have opened and it was a case of 'Peter and the Dam' as Parrish denied City time and again with just about every part of his body. One of the best displays that I've seen from a young goalkeeper for some time.

City deserved to win, but Villa made a great match of it in front of their caretaker manager Kevin McDonald.

The next match at Hyde is on 14 September 2010 when Arsenal are the visitors. This promises to be an excellent encounter so get yourselves there!!

Click here to join in the debate on the club forum.