Match Previews

Final product the focus against Sunderland, says Smith

Albion Under-23s will look to add the finishing touches to their play ahead of the visit of Sunderland Under-23s in the Premier League 2 Division Two, says Baggies boss Jamie Smith.

The young Baggies will take on Sunderland in a league fixture at Aggborough, the home of Kidderminster Harriers, on Monday, February 18 (ko 7pm).

Smith's side drew 1-1 with AFC Bournemouth Under-23s last time out in the Premier League Cup, but were unfortunate not to win the game, having created a handful of chances.

And Jamie says that the concentration will be on the end product against the Black Cats.

"Finishing off the excellent build up play will definitely be a focus leading into the game," said Smith.

"Again, like every game we play, it will be a tough game against a very hard working team who beat us early on in the season away from home.

"But hopefully we can produce another positive performance and get the result.

"With the first team having a heavy fixture schedule this week I don't think there will be any involvement from them so we will be as we have been for the last few weeks with mainly under-18s playing which is brilliant for them and their development."

Albion's youngsters are currently thriving amidst a heavy fixture schedule, with the team through to the FA Youth Cup quarter-final.

"Considering six of the players had played two days before in the FA Youth Cup I thought they were excellent," added Smith.

"They showed a real resilience and determination against Bournemouth to keep going, especially in the first-half to stay in the game, and then second-half we were very good in possession and created a number of chances to win the game."