Swansea City Under-18s 2 Aston Villa 3
2nd March
A late goal from Sean Hanbury could not prevent Swansea City Under-18s falling to a 3-2 defeat against Aston Villa at Bodymoor Heath.
Despite an even opening to the first half that saw both side create chances in front of goal, the home side took the lead though midfielder Jack Clarke's well-struck free-kick.
Swansea responded well and equalised five minutes later as the U18s were awarded a penalty following a foul in the box. Winger Causso Darame stepped-up to convert from 12 yards with the score level at the break.
Villa were awarded a penalty of their own 12 minutes into the restart as the Swans were judged to have handled the ball in the area - Jack Doyle-Hayes restored the home sides lead from the spot.
The young Swans pushed for another equaliser with chances from Keiran Evans and Oliver Cooper going close.
But the home side extended their advantage in the 64th minutes as defender Mitch Clark struck with a fine solo effort.
Substitute Sean Hanbury reduced the deficit inside the final ten minutes and despite chances Villa held on to secure the win in Premier League South.
VILLA U18: Viktor Johansson, Mitch Clark (Johan Abdoul, 88), James Finnerty, Jack Coates, Josh Williams, Alex Prosser, Jake Doyle-Hayes (Capt), Jack Clarke, Kelsey Mooney, Harvey Knibbs, M.Birch.
UNUSED SUBS: Boucher, Hall, Stretch.
SWANS U18: Alex Lang, Rhydian Williams, Joe Lewis, Ben Erickson, Mael Davies (Capt), Causso Darame, Cameron Berry (Finley Hazell, 68), Marco Dulca, Oliver Cooper, Keiran Evans (Sean Hanbury, 79), Matt Roberts (Liam Edwards 62).
UNUSED SUBS: Ben Morgan, Brandon Cooper.
