HOW IT HAPPENED
Our under-18s kicked off their Premier League Cup campaign with a 0-0 draw against West Bromwich Albion on Saturday.
We started out on top, but it was the Baggies who were gifted the game’s first golden opportunity. Arthur Okonkwo played a wayward pass out from the back, allowing Morgan Rogers a clear shot at goal, but our goalkeeper was quick to react and make amends for his error.
Flo Balogun then fired wide from the right side of the box, before Okonkwo bravely rushed off his line to make a sweeping clearance.
Following the break Matthew Smith played a stunning 50-yard pass over the opposition’s defence and into the feet of Balogun, but the 17-year-old’s right-footed effort was denied by debutant Josh Griffiths.
Rodgers had two late chances to seal all three points for the hosts, but our defence did enough to keep a clean sheet against a physical Baggies side.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN
We are second in Group D, trailing Everton by two points.
WHAT’S NEXT
Our under-18s are back in action on Saturday against West Ham United.
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