Albion book FA Youth Cup quarter-final spot with Norwich City triumph

Leigh Downing’s 18s proved their mettle in East Anglia after Finlay Oligbo gave the young Canaries an early lead. Goals from Divine Onyemachi and Cole Deeming turned the tide of the match in the first half, and Rio Parmar and Ollie Bostock’s efforts, either side of Elliot Myles’ reply, secured the young Baggies a spot in the competition’s round of eight.

Like every other game in this competition so far this season, it started frantically in Norfolk, and Norwich took the lead right away when Oligbo fired a free kick into the top corner from well beyond the box with ten minutes remaining. Despite being behind by a goal, Downing’s team played its typical patterns well, remained composed, and preserved their shape. They quickly leveled the score thanks to Onyemachi’s goal line nudge after Parmar’s amazing header had bounced back off the crossbar.

They swiftly reduced it, but in their favor this time, after restoring parity so quickly. Bostock played Deeming through inside the box, and he made no mistake, hitting the bottom corner with a powerful, low effort beyond Canaries goalkeeper Henry Bullen. Norwich was in a great position before halftime, but after Onyemachi’s blocked shot, Parmar curled past Bullen from inside the box to give Albion a two-goal lead at the 63-minute mark. The visitors had a lot of faith and confidence after that goal, but Myles’ curling goal into the bottom corner for 3-2 set nerves jangling.

However, a brilliant move by Wales U19 international Bostock from inside his own half put him within range of the goal, and the attacker sent a precise finish in for the Baggies’ fourth goal, sealing the victory for the Downing’s team. Since City was unable to reply, it turned out to be decisive, and Albion won round five and advanced to the Youth Cup final eight.

Read more on sportupdates.co.uk