The U's may have missed out on a glamour tie against Manchester City in last season's FA Youth Cup after being expelled for fielding an ineligible player but the Premier League giants were as good as their word and this week honoured their promise to host the Sutton Academy at their Manchester base.
Perhaps not surprisingly the home team ran out comfortable winners but that was never the point of the trip as far as Academy Director Marvin Williams is concerned. "It was a fantastic gesture by Manchester City. Of course the result was never going to be in doubt but it was a fantastic experience for our players and they will have learnt so much. But it was also a learning experience for Ricky Wellard and myself in terms of what they do off the pitch and there is a lot we can take away from this trip."
"I'd like to thank everyone at Manchester City for their hospitality and kindness. It would be great to think that we might be able to return that kindness one day in a cup tie back at Sutton."