West Brom U23 hosted Reading U23 at the Hawthorns on Monday, November 22 where the home side looked to close the gap on league leaders Fulham.
Reading started the game strong with striker Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan converting his shot just four minutes into the half.
Albion looked to their talisman Reyes Cleary for the equaliser with a composed near post strike in the 26thminute.
With both teams pushing for the winner, Reading defender Kelvin Abrefa looked to cut out the Baggies’ counterattack with a brutal tackle but saw a straight red for the challenge.
Speaking after the game, Caleb Taylor believed his side were “disjointed in the press” and believe they “still have a chance to catch them” [Fulham].
“It was a tough game, they were well structured in their formation, on the ball they were very good.
“As a leader, I should be able to get everyone together, tell them what to do, and I feel next game I will take from this that I need to organise the team more,” he added.
The Royals dominated the opening 10 minutes, earning themselves a lead with just three minutes on the clock after Ehibhatiomhan’s shot was converted past keeper Alex Palmer.
West Brom began to up their intensity with forward Jamie Soule winning a free kick in a dangerous zone, but Jamie Andrew’s strike fell into the hands of goalkeeper Harvey Collins.
Mamadi Camera looked to put the away side 2-0 up after capitalising on Abrefa’s cross but Palmer was there to claim and keep his side in it.
Albion picked up the pace with Ethan Ingram pushing his side forward whipping a cross into Cleary, but the number nine was unable to keep his strike down.
The Baggies took control after Fenton Heard steamed down the right wing, feeding the ball into the feet of Cleary but Collins was there once again to make a comfortable save.
The home side finally capitalised on their chances as danger man Cleary’s shot rocketed into the roof of the net.
Albion had keeper Palmer to thank after a fine double save to keep the game level heading into half time.
The Baggies made one change at half time, bringing defender Josh Shaw on for number 7, Heard.
Reading looked for their second of the game after Claudio Osorio’s low driven cross was intercepted by the Baggies’ defence.
The away side continued to push, winning themselves a free kick in a dangerous position but Albion captain Caleb Taylor was there to head the ball clear.
The Baggies found themselves away with substitute Shaw looking to strike the ball, but a narrow angle saw the ball ripple the side netting.
Both sides made substitutes as they looked to push for the winner with the Baggies bringing Matt Richards on for Kevin Joshua.
Reading boosted their energy as right back Hamid Abdul-Salam entered the field for Michael Stickland as they looked to sure up the defence heading into the closing stages.
The home side began to take control of the second half, earning themselves countless corners but were unable to capitalise on them.
A final substitute for the home side saw Layton Love replace Toby King whilst Reading made their second sub of the game, seeing David Nyarko replace goalscorer Ehibhatiomhan.
Albion’s defence continued to stand strong as Reading looked to sneak a late winner.
The Baggies looked to counterattack before Reading’s Abrefa saw red after a brutal tackle on substitute Shaw, ending the game 1-1.
Albion continue to stay second, nine points behind league leaders Fulham and will face Southampton in their next fixture.
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