Albion Under-21s were undone by Arsenal in their final regular Premier League 2 match of the season despite a controlling display on Saturday afternoon.
Demiane Agustien's first-half strike decided the encounter, and although Jack Bray and Jaiden Francis-Caesar went desperately close to netting in the second period, one goal was enough to confirm the points for the Gunners at The Mangata Developments Stadium.
Despite their superior league standing (15th at the time of kick-off), many would think it was the boys from the Black Country competing for a place in the upper echelons of the division - with their pressing causing all sorts of issues for their hosts.
Ryan Colesby prompted trouble for the Gunners defence early doors, initially capitalising on a high turnover before firing wide, prior to winning a free-kick on the edge of the box. The central midfielder dusted himself down to take the inviting set play, only to see his left-footed strike saved by Khari Ranson in the home net.
Striker Francis-Caesar tested Albion’s opponents next, latching onto a long ball and seeing an eventual shot deflect over the target. Quality soon showed but, sadly, not for the young Baggies - as Agustien took Callan Hamill’s pass under his spell and clinically fired past Ben Cisse in the visiting net to open the scoring after 19 minutes.
It didn't hinder the visitors' positivity, though, with forward Bray heading over and centre-half Noah DuPont forcing another good save out of Ranson from a corner kick. Arsenal preserved their advantage, though, leaving the match delicately poised for the second 45.
More chances fell the away team’s way following the restart. Skipper for the day, Charlie Blackshields, took aim from distance on the volley and flashed a shot just wide of the target, prior to a better opportunity falling Albion’s way.
When the Gunners' shot-stopper totally missed a cross into the box, Francis-Caesar looked destined to score - only to see the recovering defenders block his attempt, prior to Bray’s rebound meeting the same, agonising result.
Blackshields would have another chance to test Ranson in the last 10 minutes, volleying on target this time, but once more, the goalkeeper was equal to the shot - parrying to safety and although Dauda Iddrisa tried his luck late on with a well-hit shot, it flew past the target.
It proved to be the final act of the match, as Arsenal condemned the young Baggies to a frustrating defeat after a dominant display in Borehamwood. Still, there is a chance to end the campaign with success when the 21s travel to Burnley for their PL Cup semi-final test at Turf Moor, with a date to be confirmed later this month.
Albion: Cisse; Iddrisa, DuPont, Shaw; Maughan, Crowther, Blackshields (c), Letlat (Nelson 65); Colesby (French 46), Bray (Ntege 65), Francis-Caesar (Abudu 86).
Substitutes: Moses (GK).
