WILLIAM Ademiluyi scored a 65th minute equaliser as Burton Albion’s Professional Development Phase side came from 1-0 down to salvage a point against Salford City in the Youth Alliance Cup.
The Young Brewers certainly started the game the stronger of the two sides and dominated possession in the early stages of the first half yet, were unable to cause any true threat to the Salford defence.
Albion’s first clear cut chance came in the 23rd minute following a quick passing move on the right wing which resulted in Charlie Knowles producing a low cross for Joe Nyahwema who curled his effort over the bar.
As the half progressed the Ammies grew into the game and were unfortunate not be leading in the 38th minute. Left-back Finn Blano went on a sensational solo run on the Brewers right side, the fullback weaved his way through a sea of yellow shirts into the box, but his low shot was well saved by Tyler Weeks’ outstretched leg.
Salford continued to push forward and were rewarded for their efforts in the final minute of the first half when Miguel Da Costa played a ball through Albion’s defence to Markel MANCISIDOR, he proceeded to beat Drew Robinson and place his shot past Weeks into the bottom left corner.
HALF-TIME: BURTON ALBION 0-1 SALFORD CITY
The second half was a completely different story as Burton dominated from start to finish.
The Brewers deservedly drew level in the 65th minute after Robinson played a lofted ball in behind the Salford defence to ADEMILUYI, the striker remained cool as he calmly rounded the keeper and passed the ball into the back of the empty net from a tight angle.
Ademiluyi had a great chance to double his goal tally two minutes later when Nyahwema played a deep cross into Kiyan Baker-McKay whose header was well saved by Shea Callister, only for the rebound fall perfectly to Ademiluyi who smashed the ball wide of the target from close range.
Burton continued to push for the winner they so truly deserved, and their left flank was causing the Salford defence all sorts of problems. Captain for the day Nyahwema looked particularly dangerous.
Despite this sustained period of dominance Albion were struggling to create many clear-cut chances and were reduced to attempting the spectacular as the game drew to a close.
In the 90th minute Ché Ranger picked up a loose ball on the edge of the area and attempted to curl his shot into the top right corner, but the ball flew over the bar.
Albion’s final chance of the game came deep into stoppage time when substitute Tristan Bennett latched onto a through ball and proceeded to round the keeper and play the ball across to Nyahwema, but he was unable to readjust his body in time. However, Burton kept the move alive and eventually Ranger laid the ball off to Knowles on the edge of the box, but Knowles’ effort lacked power and was well gathered by Callister.
Burton was definitely the better of the two sides in this fixture and were unfortunate not to take all three points, but positives can certainly be taken from their fine second half performance in their first Youth Alliance Cup game of the season.
FULL-TIME: BURTON ALBION 1-1 SALFORD CITY
ALBION: Weeks, Baker-McKay (Bennett 86), Ranger, Gilbert, Robinson, Maginness (Tanoni 60), Mtenga (Hazell 83), Pace Ademiluyi, Knowles, Nyahwema.
Unused subs: Dudek
Goals Burton Albion: (Ademiluyi 65)