United Under 21s Review | Notts County away

Notts County 0 - 2 United Under 21s

The young United side exits the EFL Trophy despite a relatively comfortable win at Notts County 

Author | Pete Shaw

Goals from Shea Lacey and Jacob Devaney sealed United’s first win of the competition this season, capping off a confident and composed performance from Travis Binnion’s young Reds.

Analysis of what happened

Goalkeeper Will Murdock had a few key saves to make, but overall, it was a strong team display against the League Two side. The 18-year-old was called into action early on, denying Max Khouyar’s curling effort after 15 minutes to keep things level.

Diego Leon took a few heavy challenges in the opening half, with Charlie Gill perhaps fortunate to escape with only a yellow for a late tackle on the Paraguayan midfielder.

Just before the half-hour mark, United took the lead through Lacey, who produced a brilliant finish at the near post. Chido Obi’s clever pass set the Liverpudlian winger free down the right, and after a couple of neat touches, he calmly slotted home past Harry Griffiths to the delight of the travelling Reds in Nottinghamshire.

Shea Lacey puts the under-21s ahead vs Notts County

After all the setbacks, I really couldn’t have envisioned a better comeback. Stayed fit for the longest time in years and performed at a good/high level in most games. The goal contributions are an added bonus. This is a… pic.twitter.com/4nb2ETuhXt

— Academy Arena (@academyarenaUTD) November 4, 2025

Notts County came out stronger after the break, with Khouyar again their main threat. The midfielder pinched possession in the middle of the park and went close, dragging a low effort just wide of Murdock’s far post.

United’s composure soon paid off, though, and on 54 minutes, captain Devaney made it two. Starting from deep in his own half, the midfielder carried the ball forward with purpose before slotting a precise finish into the bottom corner.

READ MORE | Last week's win against Rochdale

From there, Binnion’s side took full control of the contest. Gabriele Biancheri almost added a third, only to be denied by a last-ditch block, while Will Jarvis went close for the hosts, firing into the side-netting late on.

The final chance fell to Lacey, who twisted and turned inside the box before flashing a shot just wide, rounding off a night that underlined the promise running through this young United side.

A good exercise for our youngsters

These matches in the EFL Trophy and National League Cup represent an opportunity for valuable experience. Notts County are a decent side and currently 5th in League Two. Even if this wasn’t their strongest side, United still did well to get a win at Meadow Lane.