U18 Report | Albion 2-2 Aston Villa

A photo of Albion scholar Ollie Bostock in the 23/24 home kit

Albion's scholars battled back to take a point from their U18 Premier League South clash with local rivals Aston Villa on Saturday afternoon. 

They were behind twice at the West Bromwich Albion Training Ground, but fought back valiantly and nearly took all three points in the closing stages. 

Despite seeing good chances come and go through Cheick Kone and Ollie Bostock in the first half, Jack McDowell was the one to open the scoring in the contest - heading in at the back post to hand Villa the advantage on 29 minutes.

They must've thought they'd take their lead into the interval, only for Wales U17 international Bostock to restore parity prior to the half-time whistle after showing good footwork down the left flank before netting the equaliser. 

Further opportunities fell to Leigh Downing's side; Archie Kirton, Adriel Walker and Cole Deeming all going close to putting the hosts ahead for the first time on the day. 

But the visitors would regain their advantage and make the home team pay for missing their openings when Charlie Pavey converted to make it 2-1 heading into the final 17 minutes of proceedings.

Still, one of Albion's substitutes would make the difference just six minutes after coming on. Divine Onyemachi had the presence of mind to pull away into the box and connect with Evan Humphries' clever ball into the box from the left, levelling matters once again.

And the Baggies nearly took the spoils with more chances late on, but Villa kept them at bay to consolidate a point for both teams. 

Albion: Brady, Kirton (Sears 98), Sumnall, Trialist, Humphries, Walker (Onyemachi 71), Mandey, Deeming, Bostock, Kone, Chimeziri (Beedie 71). 

Subs not used: Morrish, Cherchi.

  • U18s