United’s youth team earned local bragging rights on Saturday morning as they overhauled Grimsby Town away from home.
The Iron’s youngsters ran out 2-1 winners in the fixture which saw them largely dominate proceedings on the day.Kyle Wootton and Jack Mawson were both credited with United’s two goals – both coming from fantastic assists in what was on the whole a scrappy affair.
United were deserving of their victory though and took the lead after 15 minutes. The visitors won a corner on the right hand side, which was delivered left-footed into the penalty area by Connor Purdue – a kick that was duly dispatched by Wootton – powering a precise, bullet header into the net.
Midfielder Curtis Bateson threatened to extend that lead soon after, but was thwarted by the Mariners’ shotstopper superbly in a one-on-one scenario – the home goalkeeper stopping the ball’s progress at the Iron boy’s feet.
The second half began with the same drive from the visitors – with precision deliveries from corners and free kicks almost providing the Iron with further opportunities to extend their lead as they looked to put the game beyond the clutches of Grimsby Town.
However, the hosts fought back and were level on 62 minutes. A set play was awarded following a foul, with the free kick met at the far post with a header which beat goalkeeper Pat Weaver.
Two minutes later though, United had their lead back with Bateson again involved throughout. It was he who cut inside from the left wing to unleash a shot on goal which was too hot to handle for the Grimsby goalkeeper – with him only able to parry into the path of striker Jack Mawson who had the easiest mission of sweeping the ball home from five yards out.
Youth team coach Paul Harsley was once again pleased with his sides efforts, saying: “I was pleased with the performance and the endeavour of the players and it was good again to see the things we have worked on come off in practice.”
He added: “The lads worked hard and thoroughly deserved the win today.”
IRON: Weaver, Cowling, Bowskin, Hood, Sutton, Mawson, Purdue, Wootton, Bateson, Mosanya (Oliver-Stothard 65).
SUBS NOT USED: Ledger, Waters, Clemingshaw, Dean-Atkinson.
Following the postponement of Tuesday’s (February 25) youth team match against Hull City, the Iron’s youth team are next in action on Saturday, March 1 against Notts County.