Southampton U18 4 Albion U18 2

ALBION suffered a 4-2 defeat at Southampton in the Barclays U18 Premier League on Saturday.

 

The hosts took a two-goal lead through Sam Gallagher and Josh Simms before Ged Oldnall pulled one back for the Baggies.

 

Oldnall could have equalised from the penalty spot but saw his effort comfortably saved by Harry Isted. 

 

The Saints restored their two-goal advantage before the interval when Niall Mason netted from 30 yards.

 

But James Shan’s side fought back after the break with Oldnall heading home from Phil Gannon’s cross. 

 

With 20 minutes remaining Southampton put the game beyond Albion’s reach as Colm Deasy chipped in from the edge of the area.

 

"Every week is a similar story for us at the moment,” said Shan.

 

“We are very much in games and generally our work between either 18-yard box is good. 

 

“But we must improve our quality and desire in both penalty areas.

 

"Ultimately, my job is to develop players and Ged Oldnall’s performance was very pleasing.

 

“He’d have come away with a hat-trick if he’d converted the penalty.

 

“Samir Nabi’s second-half performance was pleasing and young George Cleet showed some of the qualities he delivers on a day-to-day basis after waiting patiently to get his start in the team."