Report: Under-18s share the spoils with Norwich

Albion’s under-18s shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw with Norwich City at the American Express Elite Football Performance Centre.

Tom Kelly

2020-01-20T08:00:00Z

Jack Spong was on target in a 1-1 draw with Norwich City.

Jack Spong gave Mark Beard’s side an early third-minute lead, before Jon Rowe levelled the scores for the Canaries nine minutes before the break

The young Seagulls started the fixture with a sense of optimism as Albion flew out of the blocks and managed to secure the opening goal inside the first three minutes.

Ayo Tanimowo’s cross from the right-hand side found the head of a Norwich defender, who cleared the ball away to the edge of the area, but into the path of Spong.

The Albion captain instinctively capitalised on this opportunity and, on the half-volley, struck the ball with his weaker foot which later nestled into the back of the Norwich net.

The Canaries restored parity to the scoreline in the 36th minute, through Rowe’s strike from outside the area. A lofted through ball from the Norwich defence found the feet of Tyrese Omotoye and he quickly offloaded the ball to Rowe, with the Norwich attacker converting the equaliser.

Following Norwich’s goal, the Canaries had seemingly grown in confidence and came close to grabbing another - if it wasn’t for an acrobatic save from Roco Rees just before half-time. A teasing cross from Norwich’s Tony Springett discovered Zak Brown and his subsequent header, seemingly destined for the top corner, was palmed away by Rees.

With the second-half underway, Lorent Tolaj failed to pounce upon an inviting opportunity which could have re-established Albion’s lead. James Furlong’s pin-point cross located an unmarked Lorent Tolaj, but he was unable to convert from close range via his head.

In search of a second, the young Albion side continued to threaten the Norwich goal as the second-half progressed, with efforts from Ben Wilson and Tolaj testing the hands of Canaries stopper Sam Blair.

With just a few minutes left to play, Wilson was gifted the opportunity to convert the winner for Albion as a cross from the left-hand side was directed into his path, but the young Albion man struck the ball wide from just six-yards out.

The two sides shared the points, and Beard’s side will now look ahead to their home fixture against Manchester City on Saturday.