Man City edge Man United in Premier League 2 semi-final play-off

Manchester United were defeated 2-0 by Manchester City in the Premier League 2 play-off semi-final on Friday evening at Joie Stadium.

Head coach Travis Binnion made just one change to the side that started Monday’s 4-1 victory over West Ham United.

Forward Ethan Williams, who just returned from his loan spell at Cheltenham Town, replaced Sam Mather in the attack.

City nearly took the lead in the opening minute when Jayden Heskey fired a shot just wide of the post.

Williams and full-back Habeeb Ogunneye sent dangerous crosses into the box, but none of their teammates could connect.

United faced an early injury scare when Sekou Kone collided with goalkeeper Elyh Harrison. However, the midfielder was cleared to continue after the incident.

Forward Ethan Wheatley attempted to give United the lead before the half-hour mark, but his shot went off target.

Defender Sam Murray made a crucial block to deny Divin Mubama before Wheatley dragged another effort wide.

Early in the second half, midfielder Tyler Fletcher won the ball in the final third and delivered a cross, which Wheatley headed over the bar.

Fletcher later fired just wide, while Mubama missed two consecutive chances to put City ahead.

City eventually broke the deadlock in the 66th minute when Lakyle Samuel picked out Mubama at the far post. The striker headed past the onrushing Harrison to give the hosts the lead.

Kone tried to level the score with a long-range strike, but his effort missed the target.

Substitute Reigan Heskey nearly doubled City’s lead after a counter-attack, but his curling right-footed effort went just wide.

Mubama sealed City’s victory in the 90th minute with a clever backheel finish after receiving a pass from Heskey.

Man City will face either Crystal Palace or Southampton in the final.

Article written by Henry Thornton .