CHARLTON ****0ALBION******* * 0
Casper Ankergren produced an inspired display to help Albion’s Under-21s to a 0-0 draw against Charlton.
Playing as one of three permitted over-age players, the Dane made a string of magnificent saves to keep the hosts at bay.
The game itself was a tough test for Simon Ireland’s men against the 2012/13 Professional Development League champions, but a resilient performance saw his side extend their unbeaten league run to five games.
Brennan Dickenson had the ball in the net within two minutes but saw his tap-in ruled out for a foul on Addicks keeper Ben Alnwick, before Shamir Goodwin struck over the bar following good work from George Barker.
However Charlton started to assert themselves more and Morgan Fox’s inswinging free-kick evaded everyone apart from Ankergren, who was alert enough to push the ball behind.
The Dane was on hand again to palm away Tobi Sho-Silva’s angled drive before Jack Munns smashed a strike against the crossbar.
Ankergen denied Sho-Silva for a second time and Callum Harriott curled over from 30 yards for the hosts as the first half came to an end.
The second half started in a more open fashion with Sho-Silva heading over before Charlie Harris dragged wide for Albion.
Charlton continued on the front foot and captain Bradley Jordan fired wide but it as Ankergren’s brilliance that kept the score level just minutes later.
Sho-Silva squared for Joe Pigott, who looked a certainty to score from close range, but the Danish keeper threw himself in the way to deny the striker; despite the hosts’ claims the ball had crossed the line.
Pigott’s influence was growing and he almost fashioned a spectacular opener when he struck the bar with a beautiful curling effort as the Addicks continued to threaten.
A raking long ball from Rob Hunt almost produced an opening for Dickenson as the rapid forward beat Alnwick to the ball, but with the keeper stranded, Albion’s striker ran out of pitch and was unable to turn the ball into the empty net.
Dickenson was involved again as he linked up well with Solly March and Harris, with the latter pulling his shot wide before Ankergren made two brilliant late stops to earn Ireland’s side a point.
Albion: Ankergren; Chicksen, Rea, Maksimenko, Hunt (Barclay 89); Asmundsson (Benham 89 ), Harris, March; Goodwin, Barker, Dickenson.
Subs not used: Walton, Deen, Davis.
Original article
Casper Ankergren produced an inspired display to help Albion’s Under-21s to a 0-0 draw against Charlton.
Playing as one of three permitted over-age players, the Dane made a string of magnificent saves to keep the hosts at bay.
The game itself was a tough test for Simon Ireland’s men against the 2012/13 Professional Development League champions, but a resilient performance saw his side extend their unbeaten league run to five games.
Brennan Dickenson had the ball in the net within two minutes but saw his tap-in ruled out for a foul on Addicks keeper Ben Alnwick, before Shamir Goodwin struck over the bar following good work from George Barker.
However Charlton started to assert themselves more and Morgan Fox’s inswinging free-kick evaded everyone apart from Ankergren, who was alert enough to push the ball behind.
The Dane was on hand again to palm away Tobi Sho-Silva’s angled drive before Jack Munns smashed a strike against the crossbar.
Ankergen denied Sho-Silva for a second time and Callum Harriott curled over from 30 yards for the hosts as the first half came to an end.
The second half started in a more open fashion with Sho-Silva heading over before Charlie Harris dragged wide for Albion.
Charlton continued on the front foot and captain Bradley Jordan fired wide but it as Ankergren’s brilliance that kept the score level just minutes later.
Sho-Silva squared for Joe Pigott, who looked a certainty to score from close range, but the Danish keeper threw himself in the way to deny the striker; despite the hosts’ claims the ball had crossed the line.
Pigott’s influence was growing and he almost fashioned a spectacular opener when he struck the bar with a beautiful curling effort as the Addicks continued to threaten.
A raking long ball from Rob Hunt almost produced an opening for Dickenson as the rapid forward beat Alnwick to the ball, but with the keeper stranded, Albion’s striker ran out of pitch and was unable to turn the ball into the empty net.
Dickenson was involved again as he linked up well with Solly March and Harris, with the latter pulling his shot wide before Ankergren made two brilliant late stops to earn Ireland’s side a point.
Albion: Ankergren; Chicksen, Rea, Maksimenko, Hunt (Barclay 89); Asmundsson (Benham 89 ), Harris, March; Goodwin, Barker, Dickenson.
Subs not used: Walton, Deen, Davis.
Original article