Man Utd Reserves were crowned 2009/10 Premier Reserve League National Champions tonight after what sounded like a thrilling game at Old Trafford, but needed a penalty shoot out to do so after coming from behind 3 times. Ben Foster the hero of the shoot out, saving twice and scoring one himself.

I didn’t see it myself, but followed the updates from various sources online, including the OS and Twitter. I’ve put the teams at the bottom and indicated the number of appearances for the first teams in parentheses (zero indicates being named in a first team squad at least once, but not actually playing). 27 year old Ben Foster, besides 4 England caps (most recently against Brazil in November 2009) also has 73 appearance for Watford. Just saying and yes, I know Marshall isn’t without experience, but he hasn’t been touted as a possibility for the World Cup squad either.

Nathan Delfouneso capped an opening 20 minutes of pressure with the first goal, but Diouf pulled the home team back on terms right before the break.

James Collins (the young striker) came on for Nathan Baker at half time with O’Halloran slotting into the centre and Hofbauer to left back.

Delfouneso retook the lead early in the second half and Utd responded immediately by bringing on Obertan in place of Stewart. Again Utd drew level, this time it was Macheda from the spot after Jonathon Hogg brought down Possebon.

Obertan was forced off with 15 minutes left, Will Keane his replacement. Villa pushed on and scored what must have seemed like the winner inside the final 10 minutes, Clark nodding in Alrbighton’s corner at the back stick.

But once again, despite Villa dominating the closing minutes, Utd were again able to get back on terms with Diouf beating Marshall from close range despite the attention of Ciaran Clark. With no extra time, it went to the dreaded penalty shoot out and with misses from Albrighton and Foster saving Delfouneso and Collin’s efforts, it went to the wire, but finished 3-2 to Utd.

Penalty Shoot Out

Teams

I think Man Utd will consider themselves reasonably fortunate to come away with the title, especially considering the respective levels of experience. Thanks to @ManUnitedYouth for the updates from the stadium – he was particularly impressed with Delfouneso, Albrighton, Bannan and Weimann, but we are too!!

The future’s bright, the future is claret and blue!

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