FA Youth Cup | Albion U18s 0-2 Bournemouth U18s

An image of Albion U18s in FA Youth Cup action against Bournemouth

Albion Under-18s departed the FA Youth Cup after a 2-0 defeat to Bournemouth on Wednesday evening.

Ashley Clarke’s first-half brace was enough to knock the Baggies out at the third-round stage under the Hawthorns lights.

Leigh Downing’s team started brightly and tested Cherries goalkeeper Noah Crisp a few times early on via Harry Whitwell and Eseosa Sule.

But midway through the opening period the visitors began to cause problems, Ben Cisse springing into action to deny Remy Rees-Dottin’s low volley.

And there was nothing Albion’s shot-stopper could do seven minutes before the interval when Clarke’s smart finish handed Bournemouth the lead.

That advantage doubled during first half stoppage time, too - Clarke once again converting cleverly to make it 0-2 at the interval.

Bright winger Oliver Bostock rattled the crossbar early in the second 45 as Albion came out to try and find a way back.

They were perhaps fortunate not to concede a third on the hour mark, though, with Clarke side-footing wide despite only having the goalkeeper to beat.

In the end neither team could grab another, ensuring Bournemouth advanced to round four.

Albion: Cisse, Kirton, Sumnall, Mandey, Nelson, Mfuamba (Morrish 74), Deeming, Walker (Chimeziri 75), Whitwell, Bostock, Sule (Onyemachi 57).

Substitutes: Brady, Sears, Quinn, Kone.