Under-18s: Manchester United 5 West Brom 3

Under-18 Premier League | Aon Training Complex | Scorers: Boonen 11, Gomes 21, Tanner 26, Chong 87, Barlow 90 (penalty)

Manchester United’s Under-18s claimed a third consecutive league victory in dramatic fashion on Saturday, defeating West Brom 5-3 in a thrilling game at the Aon Training Complex.

The young Reds started the match full of confidence after back-to-back 5-1 wins over Everton and Middlesbrough respectively, and took a 3-1 lead into the break, courtesy of first-half goals from Indy Boonen, Angel Gomes and George Tanner. The Baggies rallied after the break with two goals in 11 minutes, however, and looked to be heading for a share of the points until Tahith Chong scrambled the ball home and Aidan Barlow ensured victory by winning and converting a late penalty.

As expected, Kieran McKenna's United side went into the game full of confidence but were dealt an early blow when Evan Pierce opened the scoring for the visitors on eight minutes. The Baggies' lead wouldn't last long, however, as the in-form Boonen levelled the scoring with a fine effort just three minutes later.

Another of United's standout performers in recent weeks, Gomes, looked keen to continue his eye-catching form and weighed in with yet another goal soon after. Chong, who too has impressed since joining from Feyenoord, delivered a pin-point cross for his team-mate to head home and put the Reds in front.

United scored again on 26 minutes, following more good work from Gomes, as Tanner's deflected effort found the net, but it was a different story in the second half. West Brom struck in the 52rd and 63nd minutes, and it would take a moment of magic to breach the visitors' defence again.

With the clock ticking down, Boonen went on a mazy run into the box, beating several Albion defenders before squaring the ball for Chong, who squeezed the ball in from six yards. The points were sealed when Barlow, on as a substitute, burst into the area and was brought down by the West Brom keeper. The youngster stepped up to score, and confirm the Reds' impressive run remained intact. 

United: Moutha-Sebtaoui; Tanner, Ercolani (O'Connor), Barrett, Kenyon; Whelan, Buffonge; Chong, Gomes, Boonen (Barlow); Burkart (Diedrick-Roberts). Subs not used: M.Johnstone, Makela.