SAIDO Berahino's second-half strike proved not to be enough for Albion Under-18s as Barnsley snatched a late leveller in Saturday's FA Premier Academy League inter-group 1-1 draw.

The England Under-16s international finally found a way through the Tykes' stubborn rearguard to fire the Baggies ahead in the 65th minute.

But the visitors struck back from a free-kick ten minutes from time to pinch a point.

"It was a really frustrating game," said Albion coach Michael Appleton.

"We were up against a flat-back five and a defensive midfielder in front of them.

"It's difficult enough for pros to break that down, so it was difficult for our youngsters.

"We did manage it and then paid the price for giving away a poor free-kick.

"It was pretty much defence versus attack for 90 minutes.

"The positive is that it was the youngest side we've ever put out.

"We had four Under-16s players and the rest were first-year scholars.

"The only disappointment is that we didn't have anyone to take the game by the scruff of the neck.

"But they'll learn from that."

The Baggies visit Nottingham Forest in another inter-group fixture on Saturday (ko 11am).

ALBION (4-3-3): Allsop; Grier, Gayle, Downing, Samuels; Thorne (Lovell 70), Mantom, Sawyers; Wood, Berahino, Brown (Lynch 70). Subs not used: Knight.

PIC: ON THE MARK...Berahino fired Baggies' opener