It’s been almost two months since Albion Under-21s last played a home fixture, and they’ll be aiming for a happy homecoming with the visit of Bromley on Monday evening (ko 7pm).
The young Baggies have spent a while on the road, with long trips to the likes of Ipswich Town, Blackburn Rovers and most recently Truro City - featuring in both league and cup competitions.
And there’ll be no greater motivation to prove there’s no place like home, with Premier League Group H wide open for any team to stake a claim for knockout progression, starting with their game-in-hand against the Ravens.
Premier League Cup | Group H Table
| Position | Team | Played | Won | Drew | Lost | Goal Difference | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Coventry City U21s | 4 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 9 |
| 2 | Albion U21s | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 4 |
| 3 | Ipswich Town U21s | 4 | 1 | 1 | 2 | -1 | 4 |
| 4 | Bromley U21s | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 3 |
Last time out
Joe Wallis was essential in keeping his visiting Albion team in their last PL Cup match against Ipswich Town.
The shot-stopper made plenty of saves after Ryan Colesby and Remar McNeil had notched for the youngsters in a 2-2 draw with the Tractor Boys in Essex.
Venue
The Alexander Stadium plays host to Monday’s Group H encounter.
The club’s academy hopefuls last met Nottingham Forest there in September, where they were defeated 3-1 in PL2.
Pre-match thoughts
Leigh Downing was disappointed to see his side lose late on against Enterprise National League South high-flyers Truro City in midweek, but insists results like Tuesday’s are where “learning” for his youngsters will take place.
The young Baggies were edged out by Omar Bogle’s 86th-minute strike in Cornwall, and though they’ll take heart from their highest-ever points tally in the competition, the late goal sealed their exit from the tournament.
Ultimately, it’s those late moments of “concentration” against senior teams which Downing admitted will set the club’s starlets aside as they look to carve out a career within the professional game.
Now with a string of Premier League Cup encounters at the forefront of the U21 boss’ mind, Leigh has challenged his team to build on stints in their recent showings by getting some results - especially against Bromley on Monday.
He said: “Like any of the games in the National League Cup, first and foremost, you have to stand up to the physical test that those sides pose. By playing against senior pros, you have to do that, and we had quite a young side go down there.
“Five U18s were starting that match, which is a real positive, and we gave them those experiences. We stood up to the physical challenge really well, defended balls in our box - long throws and set plays - that’s something you’re always looking to judge the lads on.
“I think on the whole, we probably deserved something out of the game. Just a little lapse in concentration late on cost us, and that’s the learning which takes place. Overall, we’re pleased with the showing we gave in the National League Cup. We got some good results and only lost in those last two games.
“You do well for so long, but then ultimately at that level, the result is the most important thing. If you switch off, or don’t do your job correctly, the chances of you keeping your place are in jeopardy - we spoke about that afterwards. For all of the positives, if we had defended better late on, we’d have got a positive result.
“Having that younger group brings opportunities for the scholars to experience U21s football earlier than they might’ve otherwise. But while we were down in Truro, we got onto the coach and the camera panned to the substitutes’ bench in the first-team game for us to see Matty Crowther and Rio Parmar amongst the subs there.
“Seeing those lads getting those experiences, and being able to see and feel that environment, is great. Those are moments we want to give them.
“Rio’s someone who’s in good form and scored plenty over recent weeks. He’s in that position because of his performances and that’s what ensured he got recognised. The first-team staff were there against Wolves, where he scored a great goal, and that’s what we want to see from our front players.
“After getting to the semi-finals in the Premier League Cup last year, this competition is one the boys want to do well in again. You have to pick up results early in the group because it’s six games and you’re not guaranteed to progress, even if you finish second.
“The Bromley game, for us, is one we want to go and win, and we know now the target we need to hit from previous years in the competition. They played well against us when we went down there, it was a game we didn’t perform to our best, and they were really up for it, which I’m sure they will be again.
“The boys will be aware of the threats they’re set to face, and I’m looking for us to continue building on these good bits we’ve seen. I want to see us come away with a result.”
How to follow
Ticket prices have remained the same as the last campaign, at £5 adults and £1 for concessions, which can be purchased at the gate.
Alternatively, WBA TV+ subscribers will be able to watch a live stream of the game here from 6.50pm.
Supporters can also keep up-to-date with Monday’s match across the club’s social media channels, with half-time, full-time, and goal updates as they go in.
A match report and highlights will be available after the game.
