13 February 2008
VIDEO: Fifth Round - Bristol City 2-4 Manchester City

Bristol City gave themselves a great chance of an upset until Daniel Sturridge got involved - watch highlights of a thriller.

Plymouth Argyle

1-4

Manchester City

Stevens 90

 

Sturrdge 22, Mee 37, Ball 64, Nimely-Tchuimeni 84

The FA Youth Cup Sponsored by E.ON
Sixth Round Proper 
Tuesday 26 February 2008
Home Park, Plymouth Argyle FC
Click here for Sixth Round ties

Manchester City eased into The FA Youth Cup Semi-Finals last night with a comfortable 4-1 win at Plymouth Argyle.

Over 2,000 expectant fans turned out at Home Park, hoping Mel Pejic's young Pilgrims could continue their good form in a competition that has enabled them to knock out three Premier Academy teams already.

However, strikes from Danny Sturridge and skipper Ben Mee effectively ended the contest before half-time. David Ball and substitute Alex Nimely-Tchuimeni added to Argyle's misery before Jarred Stevens grabbed a late consolation.

The game was close at the start, with speculative efforts from Stevens and City's Vladimir Weiss barely testing the 'keepers.

But mid-way through the first half Sturridge, who has impressed for City's first team already this season, gave the visitors the lead, poking home from 12 yards after some excellent work from Weiss.

After that it was one-way traffic with City justifying their position as favourites for this year's cup. Ball and Weiss both went close before Mee volleyed home from close range on 37 minutes.

Argyle's youngsters came out fired-up for the second half, under the watchful gaze of first team manager Paul Sturrock. But Ball killed off their hopes on 64 minutes by scoring his 25th goal of the season.

Nimely-Tchuimeni made an immediate impact after replacing Sturridge towards the end. He beat the offside trap and rounded Argyle keeper Lloyd Saxton before slotting into an empty net.

Stevens' injury-time effort gave the home fans something to cheer, but City thoroughly deserved their victory. They will meet the winner of Wednesday night's game between Charlton and Sunderland in the Semi-Finals.