The decisive moment of the match came from Ethan Ellis, whose powerful shot secured a crucial victory for Manchester, earning them all three points.
Brighton & Hove Albion (Boro) began the match with great intensity. A free-kick taken by Luke Woolston found Jack Daley at the far post, but his downward header was comfortably caught by Will Murdock in the United goal. The home side continued their energetic start when Brayden Johnson attempted a shot in the 12th minute, only to miss the target.
Sonny Finch then surged forward, delivering a low ball that was deflected out for a corner. The Reds’ first significant chance came in the 21st minute when Jaydan Kamason delivered a clever pass to Ennis in the penalty area. Ennis fired a shot towards goal, but it was cleared. Boro quickly countered, with Rio Patterson-Powell nearly breaking the deadlock in the 25th minute.
Patterson-Powell unleashed a powerful drive from 25 yards, but Murdock made an impressive diving save to deflect it wide. A minute later, he was called into action again as a corner kick from Woolston found Daley at the back post. Murdock had to react quickly to prevent a goal from Daley’s header.
As the first half progressed, Travis Binnion’s side created several opportunities. Jack Fletcher nearly scored in the 39th minute, but his well-placed shot was superbly tipped over the bar by Shea Connor in the Boro goal. Just seconds later, Ethan Williams put pressure on Connor, forcing him to scramble to reclaim possession after initially losing the ball.
The best opportunity for United in the half arrived just before the whistle, when Boro captain George McCormick was obliged to clear a strong effort from Williams off the goal line.
