In the recent match at Keys Park, West Brom’s Under-21s played to a goalless draw against Reading’s Under-21s in the Premier League 2. The game took place at Hednesford Town’s Keys Park, and it proved to be a rather uneventful encounter. West Brom’s team, managed by Richard Beale, had some promising moments during the match, with Reyes Cleary returning after a seven-month injury layoff and first-team defender Caleb Taylor also in the lineup. Despite having some decent opportunities, they couldn’t capitalize on them to score against the Royals.
The highlight of the first half came from Cleary when he made a skillful move from the left side and forced a good save from Reading’s goalkeeper Harvey Collins. In the second half, Eseosa Sule, a forward and substitute, came close to scoring with a long-range shot that was tipped over the crossbar.
West Brom will face Reading in the Premier League Cup next week, and this draw halted their three-game losing streak in the league. This match marked the first time in five games that they didn’t suffer a defeat, which is a positive sign for this young team in the PL2. While their focus is on improving performance rather than just results, they’ve struggled to score goals, and the level of competition has been challenging in this newly established league system.
After the match, Richard Beale emphasized the importance of performance, and he noted that the manager takes a keen interest in the development of these young players. The team consists of many players who are still in the early stages of their development.
One notable addition to the team is Souleyman Mandey, a tall and athletic midfielder who previously played for Rangers. Mandey showcased his abilities in the first half and covered a lot of ground in challenging conditions. Although he had a quieter second half, he displayed composure on the ball and has room for improvement in his overall game.
Reyes Cleary, a striker returning from a long-term hamstring injury, had a useful outing in the game, even though he couldn’t find the back of the net. He was one of West Brom’s main offensive threats during the match, and this was a significant step in his recovery process. West Brom’s struggles to score goals at this level have been apparent this season, and Cleary’s return is seen as a positive development for the team.