Chido Obi fires home from 20 yards as Man Utd U21s book semi-final place with 2-0 win

Chido Obi fired home the second from 20 yards as Manchester United U21s advanced to the Premier League 2 play-off semi-finals, with a hard-fought 2-0 victory at Crystal Palace.

Dan Armer nodded home from a Shea Lacey's saved free-kick, at the end of a physical first 45 minutes.

Lacey and Jack Fletcher had opportunities to double the lead, against a combative Palace side who finished 10th in the regular-season table.

Eagles keeper Harry Lee and his back four kept Adam Lawrence’s outfit at bay, until Obi settled the tie on 73 minutes, sliding home to set up a meeting with crosstown rivals Manchester City in the last four.

It was initially a slow burner of a first half, with both sides looking to dominate possession and play through the lines, in the clash played at Sutton United’s VBS Community Stadium.

United’s first promising moments came from Victor Musa on the left, after 22 minutes. He was played through by Armer but thwarted in his attempts to create an opening by the onrushing Lee.

Jim Thwaites capitalised on a Palace error to tee up Obi, but his drive was pushed over the crossbar by Lee.

The Eagles goalkeeper then parried Lacey’s free-kick, after the winger was fouled 25 yards out by George King, but the ball popped up invitingly for Armer to nod into the back of the net.

United started the second half strongly, although Jack Fletcher was unable to keep his shot down after making a good connection with Jaydan Kamason’s cross.

At the other end, Seb Williams cut inside from the left but his weak effort was easily collected by Murdock.

Lacey’s quick feet were causing problems for the Eagles defenders with Farquhar headed a further bending strike behind, although it did appear to be missing the target.

Palace’s no.5 thwarted Lacey again soon after, this time blocking at the far post, but the young Reds soon doubled our advantage.

Godwill Kukonki advanced 30 yards up the pitch and, although he was eventually tackled, Jack Fletcher won the ball back and passed to Obi, who found the bottom corner.

The former Arsenal man could have doubled his tally within two minutes, but Lee was equal to his lobbed effort after the other Fletcher twin had stopped a Palace advance.

James Scanlon and Gabriele Biancheri were afforded late minutes upon their returns from loan spells with Swindon and Rotherham, but the closing action was mainly confined to the other end, as Murdock got telling touches on attempts from Palace substitutes Hindolo Mustapha and David Angibeaud.

United will now take on City later this month for a place in the competition’s final.