City's Matty Warhurst celebrates scoring an early winner in the FA Youth Cup semi-final
Manchester City sealed their place in the 2024-25 FA Youth Cup Final, after a hard-fought 1-0 win over Watford.
The Sky Blues will face Aston Villa, at Villa Park, in the Final following their victory which came courtesy of an early strike from Matty Warhurst.
Watford certainly made them sweat for their win though, with Hornets' goalkeeper Sam Morris producing a number of smart saves to ensure his team remained in the game.
But they just couldn't find a way past a City defence who have proved steadfast throughout this season's Youth Cup run.
The visitors made a dream start to the game, taking the lead in the third minute as Ryan McAidoo broke into the box down the right before cutting the ball back to Warhurst.
The City striker controlled on his thigh before placing a measured volley into the bottom corner to put them ahead with his fifth goal of this season's Youth Cup campaign.
And they almost doubled their advantage after 20 minutes when another City break and cross from the right saw Warhurst divert the ball towards goal only for Morris to make a crucial save and then smother Warhurst's attempted follow-up.
Warhurst came even closer ten minutes before the break when McAidoo's shot was saved by Morris before Warhurst's effort on the rebound hit the post.
Warhurst fires home what turned out to be the winner at Vicarage Road
Watford had made a strong response to their early setback though and were more than matching City, with the likes of Max Smith, Kristian Shevchenkp and Ramirez-Espain all causing issues for the visitors.
Into the second half and Morris again denied Warhurst in the 58th minute when the City man was sent clear into the area before seeing his low left-footer saved by Morris' feet.
Watford continued to hold their own though and almost drew level in the 65th minute when Smith did well on the left before picking out Nickson Okosun in the box, only for the Watford striker to see his effort find the side netting.
They then tested City 'keeper Oliver Whatmuff, as Nabizada's deflected shot almost caught him out at the near post as the game entered its later stages.
Unfortunately for the 4121 crowd in attendance at Vicarage Road, it wasn't to be as City remained firm to seal their place in the Final.
The date for the FA Youth Cup Final will be confirmed in due course.
