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Reserves triumph in Senior Cup


Danny Welbeck and Rodrigo Possebon struck late goals at Old Trafford as United overcame Bolton Wanderers in the Manchester Senior Cup final.

After a sluggish start from the Reds' second string, Welbeck converted Michael Barnes' right-wing cross with a classy sliding volley 11 minutes from time, before Possebon smashed home his first goal for the club in injury time.

Bolton created enough chances to worry United, however, and never more than an almighty goalmouth scramble with five minutes remaining, which saw Sean Evans clearing from the very edge of his own goal-line after three previous efforts had been blocked.

The Trotters can feel hard done by to leave Old Trafford empty-handed, having created the clearer chances for the opening hour of the game. Numerous half-chances were spurned, with Jaroslaw Fojut heading onto the roof of the net and later against the post.

Chris Eagles had United's best effort of the first period, but goalkeeper Tom Brocklehurst made a fine diving save to turn the winger's curling free kick around the post.

As the game wore on, United increasingly took up the attacking mantle. Eagles saw another free-kick deflected wide, David Gray planted a firm header just past the post and Welbeck saw his long-range effort well turned around the post by Brocklehurst.

The Bolton goalkeeper was left unprotected by his defence in the 79th minute, however, when Welbeck slid onto Barnes' fine right-wing cross to volley into the back of the net.

Although the highly-rated young striker had endured a quiet game, it was a timely reminder of his undoubted talent and a fitting way to celebrate being named the Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year on Sunday.

Undeterred, Bolton hit back and had three quickfire opportunities to draw level. First, Ron-Robert Zieler brilliantly saved Robert Sissons' header, then Chester bravely blocked from Fojut, who then saw his follow-up shot stopped on the line by Evans.

Despite that scare United continued to look for a killer second, and it duly came when Sissons failed to clear a bouncing ball inside his own area, and Possebon - who shone all evening - smashed in a left-footed volley from 15 yards.

The Brazilian's strike ensured that United won the competition for the 28th time, and made it two pieces of silverware in as many days for the club, following the senior side's Premier League retention on Sunday.

United: Zieler; Gray, Chester, Eckersley, Cleverley; Barnes, Hewson, Possebon, S Evans; Welbeck, Eagles.

Subs not used: Amos, Fagan, Macheda, James, Drinkwater.