JOSS Labadie played 62 minutes on his comeback from injury as a young Albion side suffered an undeserved 1-0 defeat at Portsmouth in Barclays Premier Reserve League (South).
The 18-year-old midfielder, who signed his first professional contract in July, fractured his fifth metatarsal while on loan at League Two Shrewsbury in January.
But, as the oldest Baggies player on the pitch and captain for the night, he led by example and the visitors were worthy of at least a draw against their more experienced counterparts.
Paris Cowan-Hall's 37th-minute strike pinched the points for the hosts in the first of two matches between the teams in a week.
Albion coach Michael Appleton said: "I don't like losing but I am extremely proud of how the lads played tonight.
"We played our youngest ever reserves side and they deserved at least a point.
"They were much bigger physically and kept their concentration well from numerous set-pieces.
"It was a case of men against boys at times.
"But we played some fantastic stuff, created some good chances and kept fighting until the end.
"Joss had quite a big influence on the game, led by example and came through unscathed."
Albion host Pompey in the return fixture at The Hawthorns on Monday (ko 7pm).
PORTSMOUTH: Begovic, Mantyla, Wilkinson, Primus, Blackman, Pack, Wilson (Mahoto 28), Nlundulu, Kilbey, Thomas (Navas Alors 26), Cowan-Hall. Subs not used: O'Brien, Gregory, Ciftci.
ALBION: Allsop, Samuels, Martin, Labadie (Sawyers 62), Downing, Gayle, Mantom, Thorne, Wood, Lake-Gaskin, Knight (Berahino 73). Subs not used: Lovell, Waghorn, Grier.
REFEREE: M Thompson.
ATTENDANCE: 215.
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