Loughborough failed to match up to tough opponents Manchester United academy, as they slipped to a 2-6 defeat in front of a home crowd at the Loughborough University Stadium.
Manchester United star of the future, Ben Pearson scored a double for the visiting side as the rapid pace and tricky footwork seemed too much to handle for Loughborough. The home team did produce a late comeback as Daniel Nti and substitute Sam Cook found the back of the net, much to Loughborough manager, Stuart McLaren’s, relief.
From the whistle Loughborough appeared to be on the back foot as Manchester United worked the ball through Loughborough’s defence to thread Ben Pearson in for his first goal of the evening. The continuous sharp passing and perfectly timed counter attacks provided plenty of action for Loughborough goal keeper, Jack Howard throughout the first half. The home sides back four prevented many United opportunities, making crucial challenges but it wasn’t enough to prevent a further three Manchester United goals.
James Wier provided the second goal for the reds, as quick breaks on the counter attack left Loughborough struggling to defend, United were gifted the third and the fourth goals just before the half time whistle, courtesy ofMats Daehli and Ben Pearson.
The match drew an overwhelming crowd yet again, despite the bitter weather, as fans witnessed Loughborough FC take on their second premiership academy in under a year. The Manchester United fixture came after a tense encounter with Tottenham Hotspur U18 X1 during the opening of the Loughborough football clubs permanent home.
As the second half got underway Loughborough appeared to be revitalised after the break, holding their formation and completing a number of attacking breaks to trouble the United keeper. The optimistic start didn’t last long as a free kick from 25 yards out was curled around the wall into bottom left hand corner from Manchester United’s number ten, Andreas Periera. United racked up their final goal tally to six as McNair slotted in their last goal of the game.
Loughborough continued to make vast improvements with a number of shots streaking across the goal face. Impressive substitutes towards the latter stages of the game, from the home side saw Matthew Collino storm the field, making a positive impact on the game. The improvements may have come too late for the home side but Daniel Nti scored a well struck free kick to salvage some positives from the tough fixture.
Substitute Sam Cook left it until the dying minutes of the game to produce a final 2-6 score line, plenty for Loughborough to celebrate on such a fantastic and rare occasion.
Loughborough FC will be back in action at home on the 20th October at 3pm. Keep up to date with the Loughborough Sport website for the up-to-date fixture list, results and news.
