Albion Under-18s continued their 100 per cent record in the Premier League Cup group stages after securing a 2-0 win over Middlesbrough on Saturday afternoon.
Chay Thompson's men got off to a flying start in their Group H encounter at The FitLife Foods Performance Centre, scoring the opener after just six minutes.
Young midfielder James Bythell produced a stunning effort from outside of the box to find the top corner and put the hosts ahead.
Having gained the advantage in the tie, a controlled performance followed as Albion's scholars kept their Teesside counterparts at bay going into the interval.
That theme of measured, confident play was carried into the second period by the Baggies, and their patience was rewarded on 67 minutes when they won a spot-kick.
Forward Harry French converted comfortably to double his team's lead - a margin they maintained to secure all three points against 'Boro.
The result means Thompson's squad maintained top spot in Group H, increasing their tally to six points ahead of the final preliminary match of the competition against West Ham United - who currently occupy second place on four points, with Norwich City (third) on one and Middlesbrough (fourth) on zero points.
Only one side advances to the knockout stages from each set of standings, meaning a win or draw against the Hammers would secure Albion's progression in the tournament when they meet on Saturday, November 7 (ko 12pm).
Albion: Moses; Hutchinson, Saa, Jackson, Nasibu; Gompe (Billings 81'), Iqbal (Sankoh 62'), Bythell, French, Williams (Lartey 71'); Seven-Seven (Smith 62').
Substitutes: Davis.
