The City Under 18 side’s quest to win their Premier Academy League group will go to the wire after they slipped to defeat at Crewe.

Top scorer Jordi Hiwula looked to have set the young Blues on their way with a goal in the sixth minute, but sloppy defending allowed the hosts to take the lead before half time.

Crewe hung on to their lead despite City dominating the second half, and the Blues now know that only a win at Stoke this Saturday will guarantee winning their league and progressing into the national play-offs.

A win for second-placed Blackburn, coupled with anything less than a win for City would see Rovers through to the next stage.

Academy Manager Mark Allen told mcfc.co.uk, “We paid the price for conceding two very poor goals, and despite all our pressure it turned out to be one of those days when things did not go our way.

“The lads have got to pull themselves together quickly now and treat this Saturday like a cup final. We know exactly what we have to do, it will not be easy but we’ll be positive. We’ve had a good season and our destiny is very much in our hands.”