SAM Mantom's last-gasp leveller in Saturday's 1-1 draw at Bolton saw Albion Under-18s extend their unbeaten run to three games.

Following a tight first-half Wanderers took the lead in the 57th minute.

The Baggies battled back and Paul Downing almost equalised when he hit the post.

But Keith Downing's side had to wait until third minute of stoppage time when Mantom struck to earn a point in the FA Premier Academy League (Group C) clash.

"It was a tough, physical game," said the Baggies coach.

"Bolton are going well this year and are difficult opponents, especially away from home.

"We started the game okay and they had an early chance from a corner but then we restricted them to some long-range efforts.

"I thought we held a very good shape and showed good organisation.

"We had two or three of the best chances in the first-half and Ethan Mannion forced an instinctive save from their keeper.

"Paul Downing had a chance off a set-play and Lateef Elford-Alliyu had a snap-shot that was saved.

"It was a similar affair in the second-half then they scored when we didn't deal with a cross.

"We responded with a bit more maturity.

"We're starting to handle the game situation better rather than getting frustrated if we go behind.

"Lateef got down the left-hand side and crossed for Sam, who produced a very good left-foot finish.

"On reflection, I thought we deserved the game because we created a bit more than they did.

"We're starting to become a resilient team, organised and disciplined.

"It's a good point because Bolton have won a lot of games at home.

"They have a physical and direct approach in the right way, and they back-up things so, if you're not ready for it you're in for a tough game."

Albion entertain Stoke on Saturday (ko 11am).

ALBION: Allsop, Gayle, Waghorn, Mantom, Downing, Malcolm, Lynch (Fowler 82), Grier, Elford-Alliyu, Samuels, Mannion. Subs not used: Tebbutt (gk), O'Neil, Mulholland, Roofe.