Darren Murray's Under-17s secured a brilliant 6-3 over MK Dons at the Alan Higgs Centre...
Coventry City Under-17s triumphed in a nine-goal thriller over MK Dons at the Alan Higgs Centre.
George Thomas and James Maddison both scored braces as Ben Stevenson and Jay Albini added to the scoreline in the second-half as City ran out 6-3 winners.
With the Under-18s fixture against Huddersfield Town and the Under-21s fixture against Derby County called off recently, the friendly game represented a good chance for some of City's young guns to get some valuable minutes under their belt.
Thomas, who recently made his first-team debut against Leyton Orient, started up front with James Maddison as the home side went into an early lead.
After just two minutes, Dion Kelly-Evans crossed from the right and an MK Dons defender turned the ball into his own net at the back-post.
City continued to dominate the game and doubled their lead through the impressive Thomas. After collecting the ball on the edge of the area, Maddison played a wonderful through-ball for Thomas to round the keeper and slot home in the 21st minute.
Darren Murray's side were rarely troubled at the back as Luke Bromley and Cian Harries nullified Dons' attacking threat throughout the first 45 minutes.
Thomas, Maddison and Jordan Shipley could have put City further ahead before the break but all three were guilty of missing the target.
Jay Albini was introduced at the break and it didn't take him long to make his mark. Thomas played a wonderful chip over the top for the substitute, who kept his composure to finish well in the 55th minute.
Dons struggled to deal with City's pressing game and after striker Bassala Sambou was introduced, the Sky Blues stretched their lead.
Sambou's presence allowed him to hold off two defenders before playing in Ben Stevenson who slotted home with 25 minutes remaining.
Just seven minutes later, Sambou was at it again. His pressure on the Dons' defenders won City the ball and Maddison produced a brilliant finish from the edge of the area as City went into a 5-0 lead.
The sixth City goal was a carbon copy of the fifth as both Sambou and Maddison combined brilliantly once again, and Maddison grabbed his second from the edge of the area.
With the hard work done, City dropped off the pace and MK Dons were able to claim three consolation goals late on but it didn't dampen City spirits after a fine victory.
Coventry City U17s starting XI: Gott (GK), A Trialist, Harries, Bromley, Dion Kelly-Evans, Shipley, R. Smith, B Trialist, C Trialist, Maddison, Thomas.