JJ Gabriel closes in on U18 Premier League top scorers as Man United beat Boro

Manchester United U18s extended their winning streak in the U18 Premier League to three matches on Saturday afternoon, winning 2-1 at Middlesbrough.

United created the game’s first chance, as Nathaniel Brown played a pass to Louie Bradbury, whose first-time effort hit the crossbar.

The hosts responded at the other end, with Listowell Lord Hinneh firing straight at Fred Heath in the United goal.

JJ Gabriel broke the deadlock in the 12th minute, rifling a free-kick into the top corner to net his 11th goal in the competition.

The 15-year-old is just three goals shy of joint top scorers Liverpool’s Joshua Sonni-Lambie and Leicester City’s Lorenz Hutchinson.

The hosts reacted positively, cranking up the pressure to get back on level terms.

Lucas Harrison almost leveled the scores with a powerful shot, but Heath was equal to the task.

United eventually succumbed to the pressure in the 42nd minute, as Hinneh find the back of the net from close range for 1-1.

However, United regained their lead before the break when Martin’s clearance struck Logan Edmundson and ricocheted into the net.

Just after the restart, goalkeeper Oliver Lloyd did well to prevent Gabriel from extending United’s advantage.

Joe Roberts squandered a big chance to restore parity for Boro, fluffing his lines from an auspicious position.

Harrison saw his strike fly over the bar, before Edmundson stung the palm of Heath after a well-worked move.

Darren Fletcher’s side pushed to extend their lead, with Jay McEvoy firing off target in the 73rd minute before Gabriel curled a shot over the bar.

Boro pushed to salvage a draw until the end, but United held on to secure the victory.

Article written by Henry Thornton .