Maiden City lads enjoy Manchester trip

Both squads started their trips with a friendly match against Man City at Platt Lane, the Academy training base.

The games were a perfect chance for the kids to see the standard of young players at a top rated youth academy within the Premier League.

The Under 13 squad came up against players from from Ghana, Norway and Romania amongst other places. On a perfect surface the home side were just technically and phsycially too good, strong and quick for the Maiden City boys and the hosts emerged comfortable winners.

The Under 15s on the other hand had a very competitive game. City started brightly and had a few half chances but Man City showed quality throughout and led 2-0 going into the last period. Shane Doran then got on the scoresheet for Madien City and although the game was keenly contested City ran out winners.

Later on that day both squads visited the City of Manchester stadium where they were given a guided tour of the state of the art facilities available to the Premier League’s richest club. The tour included a look at the executive boxes, press room, changing room and pitchside. Just to finish off a memorable day for the players they went to Old Trafford to see the Manchester United v Newcastle United Premier League game.

On the second day of the trip the players took to the swimming pool in order to do a regeneration session with club phsyio Meryvn Kirkwood. After lunch the squads boarded the bus and returned to Platt Lane where they trained and prepared themselves for a game against Bury F.C.

On Wednesday morning the teams made the short journey to play Bury F.C. and the Under 15s were first up and they played well controlling most of the first half but couldn’t find the goal they deserved.

In the second half Maiden City did take the lead when Jack Higgins raced down the right and crossed for Robbie McDaid to head home. Bury did pull the game level shortly after but City won the game with ten minutes left on the clock as Ryan Varma scored from the edge of the area after a good cut back.

After that game the Under 13s took to the pitch against a Bury side who had players a year and even two years older in some positions. City were determined to put in a good show altough they couldn’t have got off to a worse start after going two goals down in the first five minutes.

However, Maiden City did show great character and missed chances to get into the game as the lively Adam Dougherty hit the crossbar and forced the keeper into a fine save.

This brought about an end to a hectic but very enjoyable few days during which the players and staff learned a lot about what is required to reach the next level and progess into the world of professional football.