Town's under-18 side were held to a draw thanks to two Middlesbrough goals in the last eighteen minutes in the latest FA Premier Academy League game at Storthes Hall on Saturday.

Top scorer Dave Heagney scored his fourth goal of the season in the first-half, with Town's lead being increased due to a strike from strike partner Jimmy Spencer (pictured) but goals from Boro's Patrick Otte and Gary Martin levelled the tie.

Manager Graham Mitchell deployed his side in a 3-5-2 formation and his young players adapted brilliantly, opening the scoring within the first seven minutes of the game. Striker Spencer picked up the ball on the right flank before crossing into the box for Ireland under-17 international Heagney, who controlled before firing home into the bottom corner.

The Terriers doubled their advantage 21 minutes in courtesy of forward Spencer. Defender Liam Ridehalgh broke away down the left side and whipped in a tremendous low ball, leaving James with the simple task of sliding it past the helpless goalkeeper to double Town's advantage.

Town had several other chances to increase their first-half lead; both Spencer and big defender Leigh Franks spurned headed chances and several shots from in and around the box missed the target. Mitchell's side were made to pay after Boro had scored in the 72^nd minute when the visitors netted a 92^nd minute corner.

htafc.com caught up with under-18 manager Mitchell to get his thoughts on the game.

"I'm very disappointed for the lads, but it's still a good result against a Middlesbrough side; they have a fantastic youth policy at their Club.

"Having said that, we put in a very good first-half performance and with the opportunities we created we should have been out of sight. The lads need to learn how to kill teams off when they are on top.

"I'm still happy though - we are creating opportunities in every game we play and there are some very good individual performances throughout the team."

The under-18 squad currently boasts a clean bill of health, so competition for places is high ahead of this weekend's trip to Derby County.

Huddersfield Town:

Alex Smithies, Dave Pickering, Stephen Brook (Luke Durham 70), Spencer Harris (c), Leigh Franks, Liam Ridehalgh, Jack Hunt, Chris Atkinson, Dave Heagney, James Spencer, Lewis Nightingale

Unused Subs: Chris Pert, Luke Williams, Danny Barlow, Lewis Collinson