Town's U18s halted Huddersfield's winning start to the season as the sides drew 2-2 at Playford Road on Saturday morning. Matt Clarke (pictured) and Jack Willbye scored the goals for the young Blues, while keeper Michael Crowe saved a penalty.

The visitors, who had won all of their previous six games, had a couple of early chances but failed to trouble Crowe before Town took the lead on 13 minutes.

Irish U17 international Cory Galvin beat his man on the right and sent in a low cross which midfielder Clarke controlled before turning and firing into the net from close range.

Three minutes later the Terriers were awarded a penalty when Rory Thompson was harshly penalised for handball. Phillip Billing stepped up but his effort was superbly saved by Crowe who dived full-length to his left.

However, the visitors did level the scores on 25 when Town made a mess of clearing a high ball into the box and Florent Bojaj guided it across the line, despite the best efforts of Joe Robinson.

Jake Charles blasted over with Crowe out of position, before Willbye sent Town into half-time with the advantage. Clarke had been fouled 25 yards from goal and the midfielder curled the ball round the wall and in off the post.

Galvin tested Sam Guthrie with a stinging shot from the edge of the box after the interval, before a number of substitutions and several yellow cards rather spoilt the flow of the game.

The Yorkshiremen levelled the scores for a second time on 71 with an incredible strike. Ben Holmes looped a freekick over Crowe and into the net from near the halfway line before being mobbed by his team-mates.

Both sides pushed for a winner with Robinson producing a fine block for Town, while Galvin struck a post with a low drive in stoppage time.

Despite having to settle for a point after twice holding the lead, Town battled well and a draw was probably a fair result. Galvin impressed and was dangerous throughout, and Rory Thompson had a solid game at centre-half.

U18s: Crowe, Robinson, Walton Owen (Emmanuel 61), Berkane, Thompson, Sowunmi, Galvin, Willbye (Ellis 77), Ramadan (G Clarke 70), Bishop, M Clarke. Unused: Marsden, J Smith.

Report: James Ager

Photo: Action Images

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