United began with determination from the very first whistle, as Sam Mather showcased his skillful footwork to evade several defenders. He delivered a perfectly weighted pass to James Scanlon, who aimed to shoot from the left but sent his effort over the bar.
Despite this promising start, City quickly settled into a better rhythm. Divine Mukasa tested United’s goalkeeper Will Murdock with a curling right-footed strike, which was comfortably saved. However, the subsequent efforts were more threatening. A powerful run from Stephen Mfuni set up Ryan McAidoo for a shot, only for United’s captain, Jacob Devaney, to block it effectively. A minute later, Devaney made another crucial intervention, this time stopping Ashton Muir just inches from scoring.
The pressure from City continued unabated. Striker Justin Oboavwoduo capitalized on a mishandled pass back towards United’s goal, but Murdock managed to tip his one-on-one shot around the right post. After a brief lull in action, City experienced frustration as Reigan Heskey, Mukasa, and Oboavwoduo all missed good chances, thwarted by strong United defending.
