‘Absolutely brilliant’ Stoke City prospect turns penalty hero after 11th hour arrival
News from the bet365 Stadium as England youth international Tommy Simkin catches the eye on loan at Solihull Moors
Highly-rated Stoke City prospect Tommy Simkin returned from a week away with England under-20s to meet up with Solihull Moors on the morning of a tough match at Woking – and play a crucial role in maintaining their unbeaten start of the season
Solihull are now eight without defeat to launch their National League campaign after keeper Simkin, on loan from Stoke for the season, saved a Padraig Amond penalty on the way to a 1-1 draw.
It was actually Simkin, aged 18, who gave away the spot kick with a foul on Ricky Korboa mid-way through the first-half but he is catching the eye with his all-round ability in his biggest test so far in his career.
Manager Andy Whing said: “He’s 18 and he’s absolutely brilliant. He is going to make mistakes because he is still learning. He has redeemed himself with the penalty but everything about his performance – his kicking, his coming for crosses and the one or two saves he made – has been fantastic considering he has not been with us all week.
“To come to a top team and get a point is really good.”
Solihull sit third as the table takes shape, three points behind both Barnet and Chesterfield. They are the only unbeaten side remaining in the division.
Simkin, a former British youth karate champion, signed his first professional contract with Stoke last year having come through the academy system. He has also gained experience on loan at Hanley Town and Fylde.
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