Under-18s hit back to earn point

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2025-03-20T14:30+00:00

Tyler Silsby bursts forward. 📷 James Boardman

Albion MU18s came from behind to draw 1-1 with Reading in Thursday’s Premier U18 League game at the American Express Elite Football Performance Centre.

The Royals had a more experienced team than Albion and they controlled much of the first half with Emmanuel Osho firing them in front after 14 minutes.

Albion defended well to ensure they didn’t go further behind and carried much more attacking threat in the second half.

Cristiano Ekene Anah battles for the ball. 📷 James Boardman.

Matthew Hayden was brought down in the box but no penalty given and in the 64th minute Younes Ibrahim beat Reading keeper Josh Welland but his shot from just outside the area clipped the crossbar.

Jesse Middleton wasn’t far away with a strike from 20 yards and Albion’s pressure was rewarded with 11 minutes to go when Ibrahim and Zebedee Lawson combined down the right and when Lawson’s cross came into the six yard box Sam Harrison’s attempted clearance flew into the top corner.

Tate Ferdinand clears his lines. 📷 James Boardman

The visitors might have won it in the final minute when defender Philip Duah headed a corner wide from close range but a point apiece was a fair outcome. Albion stay eighth in the table and are back in action on 29 March at Norwich City.

Albion: Rutter, Hayden, Ekene, Outen, Ferdinand, Middleton, Newnham-Reeve (Widdop 78), Ibrahim, Brennan (Cullinane 78 (Akapo 84), Silsby, Parsons (Lawson 60), Osho.