Shan determined to end winless run and seal play-off spot
ALBION Under-21 boss James Shan has spoken of his disappointment after his side's 2-1 defeat at Stoke City.
Samir Nabi put the Baggies into an early lead at the Staffordshire club's Clayton Wood Training Centre, winning the ball near the halfway line before surging through and appling a well-taken finish.
Yet the Potters pulled level through George Waring's header just before half-time and duly went on to claim the game's winning goal midway through the second half courtesy of Dom Telford.
Albion had opportunities to come away with a share of the spoils - Kyle Howkins, Jonathan Leko and Tyler Roberts going close - but were instead left to reflect on a defeat which leaves them winless in eight games in all competitions.
Shan admitted the current run of form is a concern despite anticipating his young side, who are without a number of players out on loan gaining first-team experience, would face a demanding second half to the campaign.
Yet he is determined to ensure Albion, currently fifth in Barclays Under-21 Premier League Division 2, secure at least a top-five place and seal their spot in the end of season play-offs.
Reflecting on Saturday's reverse at Stoke, Shan said: "I'm disappointed with the result.
"The game was pretty even, I don't think either team dominated or dictated play. On reflection a draw would have been a fair result.
"We had two chances to score after they went 2-1 up, Jonathan Leko had a good chance and then from a set-play Tyler Roberts could have scored. I also thought we could maybe have had two penalties."
Shan added: "It was the second time this season we've had two games in quick succesion and we looked a bit flat.
"From a development point of view, we'll maybe try and get two games in a week more often."
Albion: Rose, Ezewele (Edwards 55), McCourt, Sweeney, Howkins, Barbir, Elbouzedi (Roberts 70), S Nabi, Leko, Ward, Field.
Subs: Palmer, O'Shea, Smith.