Wrexham Youth 0
Bury U18 4
Football League Youth Alliance Cup (Northern Section) (Group One)

Match Report

Whilst the league clash between these two side had proved a highly contested and enjoyable encounter, there could be no doubting that Bury ran out deserved winners in this return clash. With Ryan Williams and Aaron Heald both sidelined through injury, Phil Perry came in at left-back with Max Cleworth partnering Bobby Beaumont in central defence whilst Max Williams returned in goal in place of Under-15 keeper Adrian Krol.

After a dour opening 15 minutes, it was the home side who created the first noteworthy chance when Matty Jones’ surging run saw him fire over the bar from the edge of the penalty area. Williams was then called into action as he saved bravely at the feet of Bury’s Cedric Ondoa, the Shakers’ striker then setting up Joe Adams to fire across goal when well placed.

Dylan Allshorn’s mazy run on 24 minutes found Sam Pilkington who in turn picked out Matty Sargent, the Reds’ midfielder unleashing a fierce shot that was well saved by Mark Williams. The play then moved straight up the other end as Adams was again thwarted by the Wrexham custodian.

The game’s opening goal arrived just short of the half-hour mark when Bury left-back Jack Hatton came back on to his right foot to cross for Adams to score with a superb flick header into the far corner of the net. Wrexham responded with efforts from Sargent and Allshorn but the teams went into the interval with the visitors leading 1-0.

The second stanza however proved a chastening experience for the young Reds as they conceded three goals in the first ten minutes.
On 47 minutes a good run down the right from Ondoa saw him pull the ball back for Adams and the Welsh Under-19 international netted with a smart finish. Ondoa and Callum Dolan both then saw efforts saved by the overworked Max Williams before Dolan raced clear of the Wrexham rearguard to make it three on 54 minutes.

The result was put beyond all doubt barely sixty seconds later when Williams could only look on in frustration as his fine save from Ondoa fell at the feet of substitute Allen Moisin who scored from close range.