Under-18s end the year on a high
That is not to say that the game was unfolding as an over-aggressive contest, quite the opposite, but it was a foul, Leeds’ Joe Snowdon on McNeill in the penalty area, that led to United opening the scoring in the seventh minute. Referee Graeme Kearney was just yards away and instantly pointed to the spot from where McNeill himself made sure the Reds gained maximum benefit from the award with a cheeky ‘Panenka’ effort.
Grabbing that early lead served United well as the game developed into well-balanced match with good scoring chances being produced at both ends. The visitors endured a remarkable last 10 minutes of the first half when they accumulated at least six opportunities to get back on terms but it just wouldn’t happen for them and, in the second minute of added time, United swept to the other end where McNeill scored his second of the game, with aplomb from the most acute of angles, with keeper Harry Christy stranded.
