Under-21 heartbreak as Fulham steal late 1-1 draw

THERE was late drama at The Lamb where Liam Donnelly’s injury-time equaliser cruelly denied Albion’s youngsters three points in the Barclays U21 Premier League.

Robbie McCourt had given the hosts the lead early in the second-half and that looked like it was going to be enough to secure a Baggies victory, only for Donnelly to prod home with the last kick of the game and steal a share of the spoils for Fulham on a freezing night.

In a tight and scrappy first 45, Samir Nabi and Jonathan Leko both came close for the hosts, while at the other end Jack Rose made a comfortable stop from Stephen Humphrys’ close-range header.

Albion made a much quicker start to the second period and found themselves in front just two minutes into the half.

Josh Ezewele twisted Shane Elworthy inside and out on the right and delivered a deep cross to the back post, where fellow full back McCourt was waiting to nod the ball home.

Fulham’s Joshua Smile failed to test Rose with a 30-yard drive as the game entered the final 20 minutes.

At the other end, Samir Nabi could have doubled his side’s lead but he slotted wide from inside the penalty area after meeting Leko’s centre.

Then, with virtually the last kick of the game, centre-half Donnelly poked the ball into the back of the net from two-yards to rescue a draw for the Londoners.

In the build-up to the equaliser Rose appeared to be fouled by a Fulham man, however the referee waved away Albion appeals and awarded the goal to the visiting team.

As emotions ran high following the final whistle, Rose was shown a red card as he left the field following a discussion with the officials.