Baggies suffer last-gasp heartbreak following Leko and Nabi strikes
TWO long-range efforts from Jonathan Leko and Samir Nabi saw Albion draw 2-2 at Tottenham in the Barclays Under-18 Premier League on Saturday.
The Baggies found themselves 2-0 up half-time in large part thanks to the performance of Alex Palmer between the posts.
But the hosts hit back midway through the second half and nicked a point with the equaliser five minutes from time.
“Our first goal came from a five to six pass move that Jonathan Leko finished from 20 yards,” said Albion Lead Professional Development Coach James Shan.
“On the second goal Samir Nabi picked the ball up from inside his own half and ran with it before cutting inside and bending it into the bottom corner from 25 yards (see free video below).
“We played well at times but Tottenham are very good, dominated territorially and created lots of chances.
“Alex Palmer was busy and produced his best performance of the season.
“He was excellent, commanded his area well and took crosses cleanly.
“The game was horrible in the second half and both teams lacked energy.
“Tottenham created more chances but we had the more clear-cut opportunities – Tahvon Campbell went close twice and Andre Wright had a header that hit the top of the net.
“I was pleased with the performance in spells but we weren’t dominant enough with the ball.
“The boys get a massive tick for their resilience to block a number of chances from Spurs.
“Tottenham have done well in the league, they have some good players and fielded a strong line-up.
“So, before the game we’d have taken a point, but after being 2-0 up at half-time it was disappointing we couldn’t see the game out for a win.”
ALBION: Palmer, Greenidge, Donnellan, Howkins, C Jones, Cleet (Gannon 70), Leko, S Nabi, Ward (Wedderburn HT), Wright, Oldnall (Campbell 65). Subs not used: Ross (gk), Ezewelle.