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That team, which included the likes of Paul Lake, David White, Andy Hinchcliffe, Steve Redmond and Ian Brightwell, soon became the heartbeat of the first team - who can forget their part in the 5-1 derby hammering of United in September 1989?

Paul Lake, representing England U-21s, in 1989

City鈥檚 new generation were very equally impressive every step of the way to their own FA Youth Cup victory over Chelsea earlier this month. They got better and better throughout the competition with the 4-1 victory over Plymouth in February showing their creative side at its best.

The two legs of the semi-final against Sunderland in March showed they could also adapt their free-flowing style, with the best being saved for a top quality final against a Chelsea team assembled for an estimated cost of around 拢10 million.

The fact that City had six Manchester boys in their winning team was a source of particular pride.

City's Academy is the best in England. Jim Cassell has been the boss down at Platt Lane since Francis Lee's time as Chairman, when the new structure was put in place.

Coach Alex Gibson and captain Ben Mee

Under Jim, the dedicated Academy staff teach the boys good habits both on and off the field. There's a great team ethic, although individuality is still encouraged, and they are polite, respectful and well educated.

As far as the final was concerned, it was great to see a crowd of 20,000 turned up - and there can't have been anyone who left disappointed - except the Chelsea fans, of course.

The game's bittersweet moment came in the last few moments when fullback Kieren Trippier was carried off with his leg in splints, only to return, unexpectedly for the celebrations.

Who knows? Maybe, just like two decades ago, this team can go on to be a City success story. They鈥檝e certainly made the best of starts.

You can listen to the story of the game with contributions from Jim Cassell, coach Alex Gibson, captain Ben Mee and my co-commentator Fred Eyre below - enjoy!