Albion Under-18s were defeated 2-1 by Reading at the Bearwood Park Training Facility on Saturday afternoon.
The Royals took a two-goal lead in the contest courtesy of Jubilee Netgee’s effort early into the second period, before Kallum Fuller-Thompson scored from the spot in the 67th minute.
Joel Asomugha gave the young Baggies cause for optimism in the final 10 minutes, though, when the defender scored a rebound from close range to halve the deficit.
The hosts had Larry Omoregie sent off for a second booking early into stoppage time at the end of the match, but despite their numerical disadvantage, Reading were able to stave off the fightback from Chay Thompson’s team to win the match.
Albion’s scholars are next in action on Saturday, February 28 (ko 11am), when they host local rivals Aston Villa.
Albion: Lines, Hutchinson (Sankoh), Asomugha, Nasibu, Round, Bastafield, Gompe (Iqbal), Letlat, Billings (Williams), Francis-Caesar, Okorodudu (Smith).
Substitutes: Saa.
