U18s match report Stoke City v Man Utd 13 December 2025

SECOND HALF

United came out of the blocks fast after the break, but Stoke managed to get themselves back into the game somewhat against the run of play.

A few minutes after the restart, Ogbebor managed to seize a loose ball and squeeze between two Reds defenders, breaking free and chipping his finish over Heath who had come to try and interrupt the striker’s advance.

As Fletcher’s side found in the first half, the Potters, with something to defend, proved difficult to break down. It looked like that moment may have come midway through the half when Bailey pressed high and won the ball back, eventually finding Douka Nkoto via Louie Bradbury, but Josh McWilliams got a last-gasp block in on Nkoto’s effort, denying a goal.

Gabriel had a penalty shout, and Heath tipped a dangerous McWilliams effort over the bar at the other end, but the game looked destined to end level. That was, until Helafu raced to the byline in the last seconds of added time, cut back inside and found Bradbury in the centre to tuck home the winner, and deliver all three points for United.