City’s Elite Development Squad struck deep in injury time to claim a vital 1-1 draw in a key top-of-the-table Premier League 2 clash at Fulham.
After a frustrating first half, which saw City register the only shot on target, the second half proved to be a similar affair.
But, just as in our UEFA Youth League defeat to AZ Alkmaar last week, Fulham took a 90th minute lead with their first shot on target with Callum Osmand nodding home at the near post.
In a dramatic late twist however, Ben Wilkinson's side hit back to claim a crucial 96th minute equaliser.
Divin Mubama forced home a priceless late leveller, meaning City returned to Manchester with a deserved point.
The draw left City still leading the PL2 standings by two points, meaning both sides will fight it out to claim top spot in the final game of the regular season ahead of the knockout stage of the competition.
WHAT HAPPENED
A sunny Motspur Park welcomed two teams ready to battle for the PL2 summit.
But there was perhaps an air of nerves as the game began with the opening 10 minutes seeing neither shot stopper tested.
Fulham’s Callum Osmond then had the first shot of the game, placing his effort just wide of the left post, though had he had been successful, it would have been overruled for offside with City’s line holding strong.
A few moments later City’s first chance of the match came in the form of a Charlie Gray free-kick after Michael Okeke was fouled on the edge of the box. But the holding midfielder put too much power on the curling strike which flew over the crossbar.
Gray then registered our first shot on target after City picked up possession in Fulham’s half. He drove forward and as space opened up for him on the edge of the area, he opted to shoot but Fulham 'keeper Michael Allen got down quick to deny the opener.
Divin Mubama was quick to pounce on the shot which Allen spilled slightly but the ‘keeper recovered well to deny City’s striker a tap-in on 20 minutes.
For five minutes near the 30-minute mark, Fulham had City pinned back, holding possession which Wilkinson's side did well to contain.
The Fulham possession resulted in a commanding run inside by Martial Godo but the winger's ball fizzed just wide of the top right corner.
An opportunity went to waste for the hosts in the final five minutes after no-one was able to get on the end of Terrell Works’ dangerous cross from the byline.