Match Reports

Albion U23s Liverpool U23s match report

ALBION's under-23s opened their Premier League Cup campaign with a win over Liverpool on a crisp afternoon at The Hawthorns.

In another encouraging showing from Jamie Smith's side there were impressive performances all over the pitch from the youngsters, with James Morrison also getting 83 minutes under his belt.

The Baggies lined up in a similar fashion to the first-team, and started the game in quick fashion - creating an early opportunity when Nick Clayton-Phillips' effort was blocked after great build-up from Kyle Edwards.

Matthew Virtue had Liverpool's first chance when he fired straight at Alex Palmer from the edge of the box on 20 minutes, before Clayton-Phillips saw his attempt from close-range stopped by Shamal George down the other end.

Five minutes before the break Albion took the lead when Callum Morton was fouled inside the area by Reds goalkeeper George, and the forward dusted himself down to slot his penalty home.

After half-time the Baggies had to remain resolute to keep Liverpool out, with the away side being denied fantastically by Alex Palmer when he somehow pushed away Isaac Christie-Davis' free-kick.

Virtue shot wide and substitute Fidel O'Rourke had his volley saved as Albion had to hold on towards the end, but despite three minutes of stoppage time they kept Liverpool at bay to claim three points and back-to-back victories.

ALBION: Palmer, Ferguson, Howkins (Healy 45), Wilding; Edwards (Meredith 45), Field, Harper, Rogers; Morrison (Azaz 83), Morton, Clayton-Phillips.

Substitutes: Przybek, Harmon.

  • Home