City’s Elite Development Squad signed off PL2 action for 2024 in style with a fine 3-2 victory away at Nottingham Forest.
Two goals from Divin Mubama and a strike from skipper Nico O’Reilly were enough to ensure Ben Wilkinson’s Under-21s went into the Christmas and New Year break in top spot in the table as we made it eight league wins in a row.
A summer signing from West Ham, injury had kept striker Mubama sidelined for most of the early part of the season.
Now fully fit however, he was afforded a first start by lead coach Wilkinson and made his impact felt immediately in the East Midlands, grabbing a brace and an assist.
The striker’s display capped a whirlwind 24 hours for the 20-year-old who, on Sunday, was named by Pep Guardiola on the City substitute’s bench for the Manchester derby against United.
What happened
City’s Under-21s stepped out in the East Midlands seeking to maintain our wonderful run of league form.
However, it was Forest who struck first with Fin Back firing the hosts ahead on 10 minutes.
A quick passing move saw the Forest forward drive into the area before seeing his shot loop over City ‘keeper True Grant.
ACTION MAN: Skipper Nico O'Reilly was also on target for City.
Wilkinson’s charges regrouped however, and City’s efforts were rewarded eight minutes from the break when we deservedly drew level thanks to Mubama.
Josh Wilson-Esbrand was the architect, the full-back’s assist rounding off a fine flowing move with Mubama converting at the back post.
City stepped up the pressure and intensity after the restart and our effort and commitment was rewarded when Mubama struck again on 57 minutes to put us ahead.
Jacob Wright was the creator with Mubama making no mistake in front of goal.
Two minutes later it then got even better for Wilkinson’s side when skipper Nico O’Reilly extended our advantage.
The midfielder finished with aplomb after a great run with Mubama this time turning provider.
Forest did reduce the arrears on 79 minutes when substitute Adam Berry fired home - but City were not to be denied and held firm to take another vital three points.
How we lined up
True Grant was in goal and shielded by a back four of Lakyle Samuel, Jahmai Simpson-Pusey, Max Alleyne, and Josh Wilson-Esbrand. Jacob Wright was the midfield anchor with Jaden Heskey and skipper Nico O’Reilly also in the engine room.
Farid Alfa-Ruprecht, Divin Mubama and Emilio Lawrence were City’s attacking trident.
EDS XI: Grant, Samuel, Simpson-Pusey, Alleyne, Wilson-Esbrand, Wright, Heskey, O’Reilly (c), Alfa-Ruprecht (Okeke 91), Mubama (Dickson 73), Lawrence (Mfuni 74).
Subs: Hudson, Oboavwoduo
FOREST: Murray-Jones, Hammond, McAdam, Abbot, Thompson, Perry, Back, Perkins, Gardner, Sinclair, Nadin,
Subs: Griffiths, Fletcher, Newton, Berry, Brown.
TOP DOGS: Victory capped a superb first half to the season for Ben Wilkinson's squad.
What it means
City go into the festive break sitting top of the PL2 standings.
We have 27 points from 10 games and have won our last eight matches in a row!
What’s next
The City youngsters now have a welcome break from competitive action as we approach the Christmas and New Year period.
Ben Wilkinson’s youngsters are back in action on Sunday, January 12 when we play host to Brighton and Hove Albion in our latest PL2 fixture, with kick-off at the CFA slated for 13.00pm (GMT).