Peter Gilbert’s young Albion side suffered a stoppage-time defeat in the U18 Premier League against Brighton on Saturday, as both sides finished the game with 10 men.
The hosts seized the initiative in the first half and opened the scoring after just 17 minutes through Cameron Peupion.
But the Seagulls’ U18s were reduced to 10 just after the interval when defender Ed Turns, who’d already been booked in the first 45, picked up his second yellow card just nine minutes into the second half.
However, the Baggies were soon forced to play with 10 men as well when defender Reece Hall was dismissed for two bookable offence with 13 minutes left to play.
Despite the red card, Gilbert’s team pushed on and equalised with 10 minutes remaining through midfielder Tim Iroegbunam.
But Brighton fought back to claim all three points as substitute Zak Emmerson scored in the fourth minute of added time as Albion’s wait for a first league win of the season goes on.
ALBION: Emery; Ingram, Hall, Ashworth, Da Cruz Sousa; Dwyer, Iroegbunam, Lamb, Monk (Shaw 71); Oliver; Malcolm (Boote 83).
Substitutes not used: Njong.
Red cards: Reece Hall (Albion), Ed Turns (Brighton)