Albion’s 2022/23 Sky Bet Championship campaign was brought to an end after a 3-2 defeat at Swansea City on Monday.
Carlos Corberán’s men twice took the lead via Okay Yokuslu and Semi Ajayi strikes, yet the Swans were able to fight back each time thanks to Luke Cundle and Olivier Ntcham goals.
And Joel Piroe’s stoppage time free-kick stole the points in South Wales, giving Russell Martin’s hosts the final day victory.
Carlos Corberán named an unchanged XI for the trip across the border, sticking with the same team that beat Norwich City last weekend.
And his side made a brilliant start, taking the lead inside 13 minutes. Excellent pressing won possession deep in the Swansea half and gave John Swift the chance to, unselfishly, set-up Yokuslu – who made no mistake.
There was a fleeting moment where results elsewhere meant Albion were inside the top six, but Swansea’s 26th-minute equaliser through Cundle dampened celebrations in a briefly jubilant away end.
The Baggies had opportunities to edge back in front ahead of half-time despite Swansea’s dominance with the ball, Karlan Grant and Brandon Thomas-Asante forcing saves from Andy Fisher. Ultimately, though, it was level at the break.
Swansea began the second period well and almost scored twice, Jamie Paterson and Joel Piroe curling efforts narrowly wide.
Instead, Albion netted next. Pinball in the box eventually saw it fall to Ajayi, and the defender hammered one home for the lead and another speckle of hope.
But, once again, the Swans found an equaliser to frustrate Corberán’s visitors - Ntcham let fly from the edge of the area and the ball deflected into the bottom corner past a helpless Alex Palmer.
There were openings for Albion, Thomas-Asante and Swift going close on separate occasions and Conor Townsend hitting a free-kick over.
However, the final goal went Swansea’s way when Piroe grabbed the winner deep in added time.
The result means Albion finish ninth in the Championship table.
Albion: Palmer; Furlong, Ajayi, Pieters (Bartley 79), Townsend; Molumby, Yokuslu (Gardner-Hickman 63); Wallace, Swift, Grant; Thomas-Asante.
Substitutes: Griffiths, Livermore, Rogic, Malcolm, Faal.