GEORGE Thorne's 85th-minute strike proved nothing more than a consolation as Albion Under-18s suffered a harsh 2-1 defeat at Manchester United on Saturday.
A lacklustre first-half display by the Baggies saw them fall behind to long-rage strikes in the opening 25 minutes of the FA Premier Academy (Group C) clash.
But Keith Downing's men rallied after the break and missed several other opportunities to earn what would have been a deserved draw.
"They started very brightly and scored a great goal after five minutes from the edge of the box," said the Albion coach.
"They scored their second one with another long-range effort that found the bottom corner after 25 minutes.
"We were second to the ball in the first-half and a little bit loose and open in a game that was sort of end-to-end.
"We didn't pass it as well as we'd have liked in the first-half, particularly in the final third, and we never really opened them up.
"In the second-half we stepped onto the game really well and played in their half quite a bit.
"We improved our passing, created a few chances and Chris Wood had about four or five attempts on goal.
"We were very much on top for the majority of the second-half.
"George's goal gave us a bit of a lifeline and Chris Wood headed just over from eight yards at the end.
"Our disciplines weren't as good as they have been in recent weeks and when you're playing against quality players that Manchester United possess they are going to expose you.
"They didn't rip us apart and scored with two decent long-range shots.
"We were a yard behind everything in the first-half, which is unlike us, but I was pleased with the response and attitude to come back into it in the second-half.
"I thought on reflection and, speaking to them as well, we deserved a draw."
Baggies Under-18s visit Crewe on Saturday (ko 11am).
ALBION: Allsop, Gayle, Waghorn, Mantom, Downing, Malcolm, Berahino (Grier 55), Thorne, Wood, Elford-Alliyu (Mannion 75), Brown (Lynch 80). Subs not used: Tebbutt (gk), Connolly.
