Samba brothers spark City U18s comeback win in Manchester derby

In partnership with

Manchester City F.C.

·27. September 2025

Samba brothers spark City U18s comeback win in Manchester derby

City showed true grit and determination to earn an important 4-2 comeback win in our Under-18 Premier League North Manchester derby.

In a clash that could prove vital in the fight for the Under-18 Premier League North title, both teams looked to charge out the gates.

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But it was JJ Gabriel who gave United the lead early in the first half, before Jim Thwaites made it two with a clinical free-kick 20 yards out.

Tyrone Samba’s cross became an important goal that sparked City’s comeback in the second half, with Oliver Reiss’ side putting on a much stronger performance in the latter stage of the match.

His brother, Floyd, then added his name to the scoresheet, firing home City’s well-worked corner with just over 20 minutes left to play.

Harrison Miles earned City the lead for the first time in the game with a clinical strike.

Red Devils shot stopper Freddie Heath was shown a straight red card when he brought down Teddie Lamb in a one-on-one on the edge of the United box.

F. Samba fired the ball through the palms of substitute ‘keeper Zach Watson to confirm victory and regain our place at the league summit.

WHAT HAPPENED

Saturday’s Manchester derby had a unique narrative in that the league’s top goalscorer, City (19), travelled to a United side that had not conceded in their five league games in 2025/26.

After a frantic start, with both teams struggling to string consistent passages of play together, the hosts found their feet first.

And it allowed Gabriel to fire United ahead on 15 minutes with a composed, curling finish from inside the City box.

Thwaites doubled United’s lead on the half-hour mark with a great free kick that flew into the top-right corner.

Kaden Braithwaite called Freddie Heath into action for the first time with a ranged strike, but the United goalkeeper managed to punch the danger clear as City began to find rhythm.

Penalty claims from the City bench rang on deaf ears when Christian Dunbar-McDonald was brought down in the box. But it was positive signs for Oliver Reiss’ side who carried our momentum into the second half.

Tyrone Samba halved the deficit on 47 minutes with a fantastic curling cross that was left untouched as it flew all the way through the box and past Heath.

Pressure rose after the restart with fouls given around the pitch, but it didn’t deter City from maintaining our momentum.

Tyrone’s younger brother, Floyd, then drew City level with a thumping effort into the top left corner, converting a well-worked corner with just over 20 minutes to play.

Reiss’ side dealt another blow to United, who couldn’t deal with our pressure. Miles’ 20-yard strike, low into the bottom right corner, sent the City team into a frenzy as we took the lead for the first time.

The third goal gave City extra motivation and this time it saw Lamb look set to latch onto a through ball. But the number nine was brought down by Heath on the edge of the area with the United goalkeeper dismissed on 81 minutes.

F. Samba stood over the free-kick with confidence and opted for power, with the effort too strong for substitute ‘keeper Watson to stop, the cherry on top of a fantastic comeback win.

The triumph sees City move to the top of the Under-18 Premier League North table on goal difference and one game in hand over United.

TEAMS

UNITED XI | Heath, Helafu, McCormack, Mills, Kukonki (Ngwashi 28’), Thwaites, Nkoto (Watson 82'), Ibragimov, Gabriel (Brown 76'), Bailey (Shah 76'), Lusale.

SUBS | McEvoy.

CITY XI | Hudson, Headley, Drake, Braithwaite, Barrett (Tevenan 46’), Miles (Wain 90+1'), Midwood (Holt 63’), F. Samba, Lamb, T. Samba (R. Heskey 63’), Dunbar-McDonald.

SUBS | Vickery.