Roofe and O'Neil on target for battling Baggies
ALBION fell to a 4-2 defeat at high-flying Chelsea in their final game of the Barclays Under-21 Premier League season on Saturday.
The Baggies twice pulled themselves level in the first half through Kemar Roofe and captain Liam O’Neil to go in all square at the interval.
But the hosts proved too strong after the break and emerged victorious to book their place in the end of season final stage play-offs.
Albion will, however, still hope to finish their campaign with some silverware themselves when they take on Tamworth in the Birmingham Senior Cup final on Tuesday, April 29.
Chelsea’s early opener was cancelled out in the 28th minute, Roofe bursting through before finishing coolly with a well-taken chip over the goalkeeper.
Parity lasted a mere two minutes, though, as the home side surged back in front.
Yet the visitors equalised again before the break as O’Neil converted from close range following a free-kick to the far post.
Chelsea retook the lead for a third time shortly after the hour mark yet, despite their best efforts, Albion could find no way back on this occasion and Chelsea added a fourth late on.
ALBION: Rose, Gayle (Garmston 74’), Atkinson, O'Neil, Howkins, C Jones, Roofe, Birch, A Jones, Pace (Francis 70’), Nabi (Ward 60’).
Unused subs: Palmer, Wedderburn.
Goals: Roofe (28’), O'Neil (38’)
CHELSEA: Blackman, T Musonda (Dabo H/T), Ssewankambo, Kalas (Ake H/T), Nditi, Swift, Baker, Feruz (Palmer 53’), Mitchell, C Musonda, Brown.
Unused subs: Collins.
Goals: Baker (2),Brown, Palmer