Young Baggies duo Akeel Higgins and Harry Whitwell featured for their loan clubs in Sky Bet League One and the Emirates FA Cup respectively over the weekend.
Winger Higgins made his first start for Exeter City on Saturday afternoon, completing 64 minutes of their 1-1 draw at home to Reading in the third tier.
The 20-year-old impressed at St James Park before being replaced by Jack Aitchison shortly after the hour.
Jack Marriott gave the Royals a sixth-minute lead in Devon, but the hosts quickly responded through Jayden Wareham. The draw leaves Higgins' team 16th in the standings after 12 matches played.
Check out Akeel's thoughts on the occasion below.
💬 "We should've put the game away in the first half."
After his first start of the season, loanee Akeel Higgins on today's draw against Reading ⬇️#ECFC #SemperFidelis pic.twitter.com/4Mi2ZiCWoL— Exeter City FC (@OfficialECFC) October 11, 2025
Whitwell, meanwhile, delivered another eye-catching performance for Forest Green Rovers on Monday night in the most famous club cup competition in the world.
Harry scored the opener and was then voted Player of the Match as his side cruised to a comfortable 4-1 triumph at Worthing in the fourth qualifying round of the FA Cup.
The Albion academy graduate raced onto a clever ball over the top before finishing confidently with the outside of his boot to give the visitors a 1-0 lead over their lower-league opponents.
The midfielder went on to play 75 minutes of the tie before being replaced by Jamie Robson. Tom Knowles, Harvey Bunker and Jayden Clarke (P) were also on target for Forest Green, with Teddy Jenks notching for Worthing.
The reward for Whitwell and his team is a trip to Luton Town in the first round on the opening weekend of November.
Check out Harry's goal below.
Forest Green Rovers get their FA Cup tie off to a flyer with this quick free kick 🔥
📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/2jXLADnNso— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) October 13, 2025
*With thanks to PPAUK for the use of the photo of Akeel
