Sean Hogan’s late goal secured a well-earned point for Wanderers’ B Team against Huddersfield in the Central League Cup.
The young Whites were on the verge if defeat despite goals from Trevon Bryan and Eric Yoro, but substitute Hogan swept home at the death.
Head of Academy Dave Gardiner took charge of the side while Matt Craddock is serving as interim coach to the first-team following Sam Hird’s departure.
Nelson Khumbeni, Max Conway and Gerald Sithole were unavailable as they spend time on loan in the non-league pyramid to gain experience of men’s football.
Gardiner’s side got off to a quick start when Ben Andreucci slipped in Bryan down the left. His strike flicked off a defender and crept in at the near post.
David Adewoju headed wide from a corner before Luke Hutchinson made a fine stop to tip Ben Midgley’s strike onto the bar as the visitors searched for an equaliser.
DJ Sturridge got Huddersfield back on level terms, latching onto Hazeem Bakre’s pass and rifling past Hutchinson after Wanderers had lost possession in the middle of the pitch.
Andreucci had a chance to get the Whites back in front after pouncing on a defensive error but Michael Acquah rushed out of his goal and made a smart stop.
Yoro restored the lead before the break, tapping home from close range after Luke Matheson’s low cross had caused chaos in the Huddersfield box.
Huddersfield again managed to draw level early in the second half when Sturridge provided another ruthless finish after getting on the end of a clever pass by Midgeley.
Andreucci was then denied by a last-ditch challenge by a defender after a good run by former Burnley youngster Bryan.
The visitors took the lead for the first time of the afternoon when Bakre bundled home after some good work by Sturridge.
Finlay Lockett had a penalty shout turned down after tangling with a defender in the box, before Sam Inwood was inches away from reaching Matheson’s cross at the far post.
Lockett continued to cause problems in the final third and nearly forced an own goal when his drilled cross was hooked over the bar by a defender.
The young Whites deserved an equaliser and it came in the final stages when Hogan curled home from the middle of the box after another dangerous cut-back by Matheson.
Wanderers have drawn their opening two games in the group stage as they aim to qualify for the knockout rounds.
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