Southampton U21 vs West Bromwich Albion U21

21st November

Albion’s academy hopefuls head into their next Premier League Cup group game against Southampton on Friday night (ko 7pm) targeting consecutive wins in the tournament.

Triumph last time around - a first in the competition this term - sends Richard Beale’s men into their clash on the south coast with confidence, but the ever-present quality in the Saints ranks will make it a difficult challenge to overcome.

A photo of U21 forward Eseosa Sule in the 2024/25 home kit — Eseosa Sule scored the winner in Albion's last PL Cup match

Last time out

Fleetwood Town suffered their third consecutive defeat in the PL Cup at the hands of the Baggies.

Harry Whitwell, first-year scholar Matt Crowther, and Eseosa Sule scored to ensure a 3-2 win at the EcoGiants Stadium.

A photo of Albion U18s midfielder Matt Crowther in the 2024/25 home kit — U18s midfielder Matt Crowther has taken his opportunity since stepping up to the 21s

Venue

Beale’s boys visit Southampton's Staplewood Training Ground for their Group C clash on Friday.

The game was originally set to take place at AFC Totton's Snows Stadium, but Albion will now play their fourth PL Cup match at Saints' training base.

A photo of Albion u21 keeper Ben Cisse in a training coat — Ben Cisse has been away with England's U20s during the November break

Pre-match thoughts

Alex Williams made an impression as a 16-year-old at this Friday’s venue two seasons ago, but will return at a different, and even more vital stage of his career this time around.

Much-needed senior experience has been obtained by the Wales U21 international during the 2024/25 term, playing a handful of times for Southern Premier Central outfit Stratford Town during a month’s loan.

At 19-years-old, Alex knows the need for first-team football better than anyone at this juncture in his journey, and although a short spell at the Bards has added that exposure to his CV, he is looking ahead to more of those opportunities before the end of the campaign.

Prior to the next chance arising, though, Williams has his eyes set on helping the Baggies overcome Southampton on Friday night - where a win would put them right in the mix for qualification from the group stages.

A photo of Albion U21 defender Alex Williams in the 2024/25 home kit — Williams spent time on loan at non-league Stratford Town earlier this season

“It’s all learning at this stage,” said Alex.

“Southampton are always a good team but after a few tricky results, I feel we are on an upward trajectory now.

“I’m looking forward to it and we’ll try and keep that momentum going heading into Christmas and get as many good results as we can to have a good end to the year.

“I remember coming on for five minutes that year in the PL Cup when we won it and that was enough to see how much it meant to the lads and the coaching staff.

“We speak about experiences, and ones like those are priceless because you don’t how many finals or trophies you’ll have the chance of winning in your career.

“So the pressure and nerves from games like the PL Cup, not just for the older ones like me and Matt Richards, but the younger lads like Matt Crowther, Noah Dupont, Dauda Iddrisa, it'll be good for them to experience these situations early on.

“Hopefully, we can push on in this cup and get a similar feeling.

A photo of U21 defender Alex Williams in the 2024/25 home kit — Williams understands he's at an important stage of his career

“I’ve spent some of this season away on loan. I was at Stratford for a month, so it was about getting as much out of it as I could.

“It was a massive learning experience because I was still training at Albion, and then going to and from academy preparation to senior football. It’s a huge difference and you learn a lot about real football, as well as different styles and players.

“In academy football, it’s common you’re going to come up against tacky wingers who will try and beat you one-on-one, but then in senior football you’re up against men who will try and rough you up in duels. So I learnt a lot of things that will be precious for my development.

“The Southampton game will most likely see me play against someone who will be younger than me and although it’s not a bad thing, I think I need to try and get out on another loan, play against older, bigger players so I can take those experience into a senior programme next year.

“It’s an important time in my career now. The start of 2025 will define where I go in my career, whether it’s at Albion or elsewhere, I feel confident I will be able to kick on.

“I need to focus on myself and use my time here to boost my chances. The coaches have been so good to me over the years and if I do stay or go somewhere else, I know they’re going to help me and I’m looking forward to seeing what happens.”

A photo of U21 defender Alex Williams in the 2024/25 purple trainningwear — The defender and his team-mates will be targeting a win to boost their PL Cup hopes

How to follow

There will be live updates across our social media channels for Friday night’s PL Cup match against Southampton.

The full report, reaction and highlights from the match will be available on the website following the full-time whistle.

22nd November

Albion Under-21s dropped a 2-0 lead to draw with Southampton in their fourth Premier League Cup group clash on Friday night.

Eseosa Sule and Evan Humphries had put Richard Beale’s boys in the driving seat. Frustratingly, a red card for defender Muhamed Diomande cost them dear as Moses Sesay and Baylee Dipepa netted to earn Saints a point at their Staplewood training base.

The result leaves the Baggies third in Group C with five points, and two qualification matches remaining against Swansea City and Fleetwood Town.

A photo of Albion U21 defender Mo Diomande in the 2024/25 yellow away kit — Photo Credit | Southampton FC

There were a few threatening moments from the hosts during the early knockings - mainly via the left flank - but Albion survived some inviting balls across the box before enjoying the better of the opportunities.

Michael Parker’s driving run forward resulted in a shot on goal, which was well-saved by Saints keeper Adli Mohamed, while Deago Nelson and Kevin Mfuamba both forced the stopper into saves.

But target man Sule went closest to a breakthrough before the halfway mark; first hitting the crossbar after cutting in from the left, and then a curling effort destined for the top corner was clawed out to keep things goalless.

A photo of U21 player Kevin Mfuamba in the 2024/25 yellow away kit — Photo Credit | Southampton FC

The restart saw similar control from the visitors, with Dan Chimeziri finding the palms of Mohamed in his way as Albion pushed for the opener.

And they didn’t have to wait much longer for it when Deago Nelson cut inside onto his weaker left foot, guided a lofted ball into the area, and Sule rose well to nod in for 1-0.

Things got even better when substitute Humphries drove in from the left, linked up with Sule, and slotted in for the second of the game.

But late events saw the young Baggies draw yet again with the Saints. Sesay drove an effort in off the post for 2-1 which, a few minutes later, was followed up by an altercation between Diomande and Dipepa inside the visiting penalty area.

The former was dismissed, a penalty was awarded, and the latter slotted in the resulting spot-kick to help the home team claim an unlikely point from the clash.

Albion: Cisse, Nelson, Iddrisa, Diomande (c), Parker, Williams, Crowther, Mfuamba (Shaw 56), Chimeziri (Humphries 69), Bostock (Walker 90), Sule (Dupont 90).

Substitutes: Brady (GK).

Red card: Diomande 90+2

Friday 22nd November 2024 - 19:00