Chelsea U18s 5 Albion U18s 2

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Albion’s Under-18s were defeated in their opening game of the new U18 Premier League season against Chelsea on Saturday afternoon.

The Blues took a two-goal advantage into the break courtesy of efforts from Leo Castledine and Ronnie Stutter as Peter Gilbert’s side were forced to respond.

But they did when powerful striker Reyes Cleary found the net on 65 minutes to offer hope of a fightback.

However, Chelsea won a penalty shortly after Albion’s response and Lewis Hall did the necessary from the spot to regain the hosts’ two-goal lead.

Still, the Baggies didn't lie down as Cleary was on-hand to convert his second as the youngsters plotted an equalising goal. But quick-fire strikes from Stutter and Samuel Ray-Sakyi put the Blues out of sight, as Albion endured a tough start to their league season.

Albion: Hollingshead; Hall, Chidi (Machisa 45), N'goma; Williams, Richards, Heard, Shaw; Wangusi (Lamb 45), Cleary, Higgins (Oluwatobi 87). 

Substitutes: Hudd, Love.

  • U18s