Two weeks ago the Under 18's came from two goals behind to earn a hard fought 3-3 draw against Reading at Colney.
Reading dominated play early on and took the lead on eight minutes with a header from a cross from the right wing.
Reading were playing very well and we were struggling to get to grips with the game but did force a succession of corners where Johnbull Osemwegie twice went close to equalising.
But on 40 minutes Reading extended their lead, good build up play resulted in a low cross from the left which was tapped in from close range.
We responded well and pulled a goal back immediately, Danny Kelly held the ball up and laid the ball into the path of Richard Brindley who struck his shot hard and low into the bottom corner of the Reading net from 20 yards.
Reading made the score 3-1 with just 30 seconds of the second half on the clock, the visitors had two shots blocked by the our defence, the ball fell kindly to a Reading striker for a third effort which hit the back of the net.
Our lads did not give in and created a good chance to get back into the game on 47 minutes following good work by Ryan Oakley in the right wing position, his cross fell to Sam Kelly who volleyed over.
On 51 minutes a ball forward by George Francomb was brought down well by Ryan Oakley, he touched the ball into the path of Richard Brindley who hit another spectacular shot from range, this time with his right foot, to make the score 3-2.
On 63 minutes we had a great chance to level the game, Josh Dawkin broke free of his marker, his shot was well saved by the Reading goalkeeper.
With seven minutes remaining Patrick Drmola did very well out wide to beat his man and run at goal, his well struck shot took a deflection and flew over the Reading crossbar. From the resulting corner kick Josh Dawkin headed home to make the scores 3-3.
Overall I was pleased with the performance, Reading started very strongly indeed and looked as though they wanted to the win the game more than us in the first half an hour. Richard Brindley got us back into the game with an excellent goal, but we gave them back the two goal advantage far too easily at the start of the second half. Credit to our boys though, they never gave in and deserved to get the goals which brought the game level.
Ricky Martin
Academy Manager
