Club News

Albion U21s braced for Rams challenge

Back the Baggies at the iPro Stadium - £3 adults and £1 U18s

ALBION Under-21s face a tough test at league leaders Derby County on Friday night as they bid to keep their play-off aspirations on track.

The Rams lead the Barclays Under-21 Premier League Division 2 table and occupy the sole automatic promotion spot, with the Baggies currently lying fifth - the final play-off place.

Albion's youngsters travel to the iPro Stadium (7pm ko) looking to maintain their grip on a top-five finish with just four matches remaining.

Having tasted just one defeat in the first half of the season, the Baggies are winless in seven league matches in 2016 - losing two and drawing five.

The latest of which was Tuesday's goalless stalemate against local rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers at The Hawthorns.

Yet, with leaders Derby, second-placed Arsenal and third-placed Aston Villa still to play in their remaining fixtures, Albion still have ample opportunity to finish with a flourish.

U21 boss James Shan said: "We need a response on Friday evening, most definitely.

"It will be a tough test at the iPro Stadium, they're obviously top of the league and gunning for automatic promotion. 

"I keep talking about winning and development and, from a developmental point of view, we've got to turn up. We've got to show that we're a good team and have an identity with and without the ball.

"Some individuals have got to put behind them their average to poor performances from Tuesday and make it right on Friday night.

"Talking about promotion, we identified that in the last five games we need three wins, so if we fail to do that tomorrow evening with the games running out, we'd require three from three.

"We're definitely going with the mentality to try and come back with three points."

Albion fans can get behind the Baggies at the iPro Stadium, with tickets available on the night for just £3 adults and £1 under-18s.