Albion’s youngsters made history on Saturday morning by securing a spot in the last eight of the U18 Premier League Cup courtesy of an emphatic 5-0 win over Stoke City.
The Baggies made a blistering start against the Potters and were ahead after just three minutes when Matt Richards nodded in Fenton Heard’s corner.
Heard then got another assist before the break, delivering a perfect free-kick onto the head of Layton Love who made it 2-0.
The youngsters added a third just six minutes into the second period thanks to the same pair as the second goal. Heard confirmed a hat-trick of assists when Love glanced in another header from another teasing corner.
And Love completed his treble from the spot on 68 minutes after substitute Akeel Higgins was brought down in the box.
Higgins won a second penalty for his side in the final minute of action, and this time it was Sam Oluwatobi who successfully stuck the ball away from 12 yards.
The result cemented Albion’s place at the top of the table, with Leigh Downing’s side collecting seven points from the nine on offer.
The quarter-finals are set to be played in early 2023. Details will be confirmed at the earliest possible opportunity.
ALBION: Cisse, Williams, Humphries, M.Richards, Phillips (Olofinjana 70), Sumnall, Oliver, Jimoh (Higgins 61), Love (Hurlock 70), Heard (Kirton 61), Oluwatobi.
Subs: Hudd (GK)