Youth reach their first cup final

FC United of Manchester Youth team reached the Final of the Manchester FA Youth Cup, beating a gallant Swinton side coached by Ex Blackburn Rovers Winger Jason Wilcox 3-0 at St Bride’s Field. The final, scheduled for May 24th will take place at the Manchester United Youth Academy at Ayshire Road in Salford.

Swinton came to the game determined not to be over run by a team in a more competitive league and for much of the game succeeded admirably. Although their own attacking threat was limited and was dealt with by a back four led superbly by Nick Swirad, they ensured they were never overwhelmed. A five minute spell towards the end of the first half ultimately proved the difference as FC United provided a spell of high tempo passing and movement that Swinton couldn’t live with. This resulted in two goals for Jamie Mack and one for Jack Lyons.

More chances were created in the second half but all were spurned as a resolute Swinton defence battled to stay in the game. Anything that breached the back four, marshalled by a man of the match performance by the right back was mopped up by their goalkeeper.

FC United of Manchester

1. Grant Shenton
2. Ashley Reece
3. Barry Davies
4. John Buckley
5. Nick Swirad
6. Shaun Connor
7. Mark Reeves
8. Shaun Williams
9. Gage Eme
10. Jamie Mack (Goals 34 & 38 Minutes)
11. Sam Freakes

Substitutes
12. Ryan Lyons (For 2, 81 Minutes)
14. Jack Lyons (For 11, 30 Minutes) (Goal 42 Minutes)
15. Tim Marshall
16. Kyle McDonagh
17. Toby Iloba (For 9, 60 Minutes)