Stepping out for our first match in the seven-game merit group stage of the Under-18 Premier League season, we took full control early on with Keanan Bennetts’ dangerous cross turned into his own net by Stoke defender James Butler, before midfielder Jamie Reynolds bagged his first goal at this level with a well-struck effort following Kazaiah Sterling’s cut-back.
We had countless chances to extend our lead further in the moments that followed with Reo Griffiths, Bennetts and Tariq Hinds – operating in a central midfield role – all going agonisingly close.
But Tyrese Campbell reduced Stoke’s arrears shortly before the break and after a tough battle in the second half in which we still had a couple of good opportunities to score, towering substitute Jordon Greenidge squirmed in an 89th-minute equaliser after we gave the ball away cheaply in midfield.