Melbourne City’s NYL side got off to the perfect start in the Foxtel National Youth League on Saturday as they defeated Adelaide United on Saturday afternoon.
Starting XI
What happened
A double from Yusuf Ahmed headlined City’s performance as goals from Denis Genreau and Connor Chapman rounded out the convincing result at CB smith Reserve.
The home side had an early scare as dangerous striker Joshua Mori found himself in on goal in the second minute. The bouncing ball across the box was quickly thwarted by the City defence and the home side dominated from then on, putting the early flutter behind them.
City opened the scoring after 14 minutes as Ahmed beat his defender, driving into the box and cutting back to Daniel Arzani. Arzani’s initial effort was blocked by the Red’s defence as Genreau picked up the crumbs to open the scoring.
Ahmed would be the beneficiary of poor defending eleven minutes later as an under hit back pass from Paul Wilson saw the striker pinch the ball to round keeper John Hall and finish into an open net.
City continued their impressive first half as Ahmed completed his brace. It was down the left that Joe Palatsides’ found all three goals in the first half as Connor Metcalf’s cross found Ahmed who’s deft volley found the top corner.
Adelaide did peg one back in the second half after Ruon Tongyik was penalised for a hand ball in the penalty area – Mori finishing from the spot after 66 minutes – but City would round off the result nine minutes later as a cleared corner saw Chapman beat the offside trap, slotting home with a striker’s finish to complete the resounding result for the home side.
Key moment
The opener really set the tone for City as they took the lead after 14 minutes. A wonderful bit of interplay saw Ahmed trickle his way past the Adelaide defence along the bar line as Arzani’s first effort was blocked and the impressive Genreau buried his effort.
It was all City from then on and the importance of the early goal allowed the home side to continue their dominance on the game.
Man of the match
A brace and an important role in the opener rounded off a pretty good day for Yusuf Ahmed. The gangly striker looked dangerous at every chance with his speed and physicality and more than held his own against A-League contracted defender Taylor Regan.
What’s next?
It’s the youth Melbourne Derby up next for the youth boys as they take on Victory at Lakeside Stadium on Saturday, kick-off 4pm. See our fixtures and results
