BATTLING Albion matched Premiership Coventry for long periods, but went out of the FA Youth Cup to two second-half goals at Highfield Road last night.

A second goal in stoppage time flattered the home side who rarely threatened Will Packham in Albion's goal.

Matt Ottley was sent off for fouls on 13 and 81 minutes, marring an otherwise impressive performance alongside the outstanding Neil Winter at the heart of Albion's defence.

Packham tipped away a Craig Pead free-kick on 13 minutes, but Albion grew in confidence and Scott Ramsay's header was saved by Chris Kirkland eight minutes later.

Eight minutes from the break, the powerful Ramsay brushed off two defenders and fired just wide from 30 yards.

Ramsay had a chance to give Albion a shock lead on 51 minutes after a sweeping move from their own area.

Aquick Packham throw released Duncan McArthur on Albion's left, McArthur put Ramsay through on goal but Kirkland blocked the striker's effort with his legs.

As in the first match at Bognor 12 days ago, Albion fell behind after failing to clear a corner, Robert Betts this time scrambling the ball home on 54 minutes.

Despite Ottley's dismisal, Albion threw everything at Coventry in a frantic finish, only to be caught by a stoppage time breakaway.

Packham did well to parry Chukkie Eribenne's shot, but Nick Hegley followed up to give the scoreline a misleading look.

Martin Hinshelwood, Albion's director of youth, said: "I'm very proud of them. There wasn't much in it over the two games.

"I can't argue with the sending off, but it was very hard on Matt Ottley."

Albion chairman Dick Knight and caretaker manager Jeff Wood were among the 400-strong crowd.

Wood said: "We've got a good squad of young players and they need to play in the reserves on a regular basis.

"I'd like to think some of them will be good enough for the first team towards the end of this season."

Albion: Packham, A. Davis, Beech, D. Davis, Ottley, Winter, Burke, McCurdy, Marney, Ramsay, McArthur. Subs: McPhee (4 Beech, 63), Hammond (4 McCurdy, 72), Hemsley, Hadfield, Sansom.

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