Albion’s PL2 team extended their unbeaten run in all competitions to two games after a late win over Middlesbrough on Friday night.
Ben Cisse’s early penalty save gave Richard Beale’s men the platform to go on and win the game, with Layton Love heading in with just a minute of normal time remaining to seal three points at Heritage Park.
The hosts seized control in the opening ten minutes and probably should’ve made it count when they were awarded a penalty.
Skipper Reece Hall tripped Calum Kavanagh in the area prompting the referee to point to the spot. However, the striker couldn’t take advantage - with England youth international stopper Cisse making a solid save to deny the No.9.
'Boro continued to get in behind the Baggies backline and yet, managed to avoid forcing Cisse into any major saves of note.
At the other end, Albion had few chances. Nevertheless, they were ones the Black Country boys needed to make more of with Love at the heart of both - glancing a header wide before setting Ollie Bostock through on goal with just minutes remaining in the first half.
After selling his marker inside the area, the first-year scholar must’ve thought he’d find his first PL2 goal - only for home keeper Shea Connor to smother the strike and keep things goalless at the interval.
The visitors knocked the ball about much better after the break; Love had two efforts, Nelson headed over and Archie Kirton forced a save out of Connor.
Still, things looked to be heading towards a goalless conclusion. Well, until Love pounced to decide matters - ghosting in on the line to head home from a corner with 89 minutes on the clock.
Celebrations ensued and despite six lengthy minutes of additional time, Beale’s boys saw out proceedings to ensure back-to-back wins and shutouts.
Albion: Cisse (GK), Williams, Hall ©️, Shaw, Nelson; Richards, Deeming (Mandey 55), Higgins; Kirton (Sule 78), Bostock, Love.
Subs not used: Foster (GK), Sumnall, Walker.
