United’s Under-21 side continued their good pre-season form on Tuesday afternoon when they beat Middlesbrough Under-21s 3-2.

Chris Dawson opened up the scoring with a long range strike early in the first half but Middlesbrough struck back twice to take the advantage.

With only five minutes of the game remaining United were still a goal behind but two fantastic late strikes from Kalvin Philips secured a dramatic comeback to seal victory.

The side included a number of first team players and saw the first involvement of Zac Thompson since the defender was forced off at Guiseley due to injury.

“It was a good contest,” said the Academy manager. “And at 2-1 down with five minutes to go it look like a defeat would be the outcome of a game. We were the better side for large spells in the game.

“All who played did themselves no harm in regards to their performances, but the games outstanding player was Kalvin Philips who scored two thunderous 25-yarders to turn the game in our favour.”

United: Grimes, Thompson (Booker), Swan, Skelton (Coker), C Taylor (Denton), Dawson, Purver, Cook, Hunt (Stokes), 9 Smith (Mulhern), Poleon (Philips).