MANDEVILLE, Manchester — Ricam Academy and Mile Gully will contest the final of the Manchester FA/CAN Care Pharmacy Under-15 competition following contrasting semi-final victories in midweek at the Kirkvine Sport Club.

Inspired by a Marlando Maxwell brace, Ricam blanked Hillstars FC 3-0 in their encounter, while Mile Gully needed extra time to beat Villa United 2-1 in the other match-up.

Both sides will now meet in the championship game on Wednesday, June 3 at the same venue.

Mile Gully, the top-performing team entering the play-offs, are likely to start that game as the favourites. They are yet to taste defeat in the tournament, but had to overcome a tough Villa outfit to preserve that record.

Following a goalless first half, the north-west Manchester side went ahead on 54 minutes through Marlon Miller, only to concede the equaliser six minutes later from Tahjae Green. But Captain Keino Barrett would come to their rescue in extra time to prevent the dreaded penalty shoot-out.

Though up against the free-scoring Hillstars unit, Ricam had no difficulty booking their spot in the final, scoring three goals within 10 minutes in the second half to shut out a side that had previously netted a chart-topping 25 goals in six games.

Maxwell, a national Under-15 representative, scored the opener for Ricam on the hour mark before netting his brace in the 70th minute. Nickhari Campbell had earlier doubled their advantage in the 69th.

— Oshane Tobias