Treble winners

May 29, 2009

FC UNITED of Manchester Youth completed a trophy treble last weekend when they defeated Middleton Colts in the final of the Manchester County Cup.

United, a team of players mainly based in north Manchester, had previously won the North West Premier Trophy and the North West Youth Cup.

Only Colts stood between them and another record-breaking season when they stepped onto the pitch at Ayreshire Road in Salford.

United had the majority of possession in a tense first half. They created a number of chances but were wasteful in front of goal.

Jamie Mack, Nick Swirad, Tony Iloba and Jack Lyons could have scored, but at the turn round it was still goal-less.

The second half was only two minutes old when Barry Davies picked up the ball at the back and fed Shaun Williams. He easily beat his marker and squared the ball to Toby Iloba who smashed it into the roof of the net.

That calmed nerves, and the Reds then dominated.

Shaun Williams again skinned his marker and squared the ball to Jamie Mack who hammered it home.

United goalkeeper Grant Shenton was a spectator for long periods, but he was called into action when Billy Sutcliffe let fly with a shot saved low down.

It became 3-0 when Williams crossed for Jack Lyons to tap in.

With seconds left Billy Sutcliffe scored a consolation goal for Colts.

Mack picked up the cup for the third time in three years, something that had never been done before.

The win was tinged with sadness, as this team will now be broken up, with most of the players over age next season.

From under 14s level to now they have won 17 trophies, at home and abroad.