Manchester United 2-0 Birmingham City
The FA Youth Cup Sponsored by E.ON
Sixth Round Proper
7pm, Wednesday 21 February 2007
Old Trafford

Sam Hewson struck twice for Manchester United at Old Trafford on Wednesday evening, as Paul McGuiness' side secured their place in an impressive Semi-Final line-up.

The Reds now face a two-legged semi-final against Arsenal, with an away trip to the Emirates Stadium first up. Newcastle United meet Liverpool in the other last-four tie.

The result also means McGuinness' side still have yet to concede in the competition this season, having beaten Scunthorpe (3-0), Southampton (2-0) and Crystal Palace (2-0) on the run to Wednesday's triumph over Birmingham.

United started the stronger of the two teams and, but for two outstanding saves from Blues goalkeeper Artur Krysiak to deny Danny Welbeck and Danny Galbraith, the Reds would have taken an almost immediate lead.

But the home team's early pressure quickly paid off. On 15 minutes tricky winger Welbeck produced some neat footwork on the right flank before crossinginto the box, where midfielder Hewson was on hand to thump the ball home from just inside the area, sending his shot high into the roof of the net.

Birmingham came into the game just before half time with Sone Aluko hitting an incredible shot from 25 yards, which produced an equally excellent save from Ben Amos. The young United goalkeeper had to be at full stretch to tip the ball over the bar.

After the break the Midlanders pushed hard for equaliser, but despite plenty of possession they couldn't find the end product.

United secured the win when Krystian Pearce brought down Febian Brandy inside the box after a jinking run from the Reds striker. Hewson stepped up to seal the tie with a well executed spot-kick.