Baggies beaten by second-placed Reds
ALBION were defeated 2-0 by Liverpool in the Barclays U21 Premier League at Kirby Academy this afternoon.
Jose Nacho and Conor Coady grabbed the goals for the Elite Group’s second-placed side with Baggies keeper Shane Lewis (pictured) on hand to deny the hosts a more comfortable scoreline.
The 18-year-old stopper frustrated the Reds with a number of high quality saves as Albion struggled to create goalscoring opportunities at the other end of the pitch.
Development coach David Oldfield was pleased with his team's work ethic as they battled to compete with an impressive Liverpool side.
"It was a tough game for us and I felt we played quite well," said Oldfield.
"We did some good things in the first half and we created some opportunities.
"Shane made some good saves and I felt in the main the lads in front of him did well to protect him.
"The results aren't quite so important at this stage and I felt I learnt more about the players and it was another good test for them.
"I'm pleased with the players' work ethic in the last couple of games and Southampton will be another good challenge for us next week."
Oldfield’s outfit will be looking to bounce back in next Sunday’s behind-closed-doors clash with Southampton at the club’s training ground (ko 2pm).
LIVERPOOL: Gulacsi, Flanagan (Baio 61), Roddan, Sama, Wisdom, Coady, Suso, Adorjan (Mukendi 90), Morgan, Nacho, Teixeira.
ALBION: Lewis; Francis, D Daniels, C Jones, Smart (Jones 64); Birch, Allan; Roofe, A Nabi, Atkinson; Ambalu. Subs not used: McCalla, Ross, Donnellan.
GOALS – LIVERPOOL - Nacho (53) Coady (63)
ALBION STARMAN: Shane Lewis