Albion fought back from a goal behind to earn a 1-1 draw with PL2 Division Two title-contenders Southampton on Thursday afternoon.
Morgan Rogers fired home a late free-kick as the Baggies dominated the second half at Palm Training Ground, with Deon Burton’s men creating a host of goalscoring opportunities before and after the 16-year-old’s equaliser.
James Morrison got 45 minutes under his belt as he builds on his fitness, while fellow first-team players Wes Hoolahan and Tyrone Mears grabbed valuable game time.
The visitors came out firing at the beginning of the encounter with Tyreke Johnson stinging the gloves of Brad House from the edge of the box.
Johnson again led the surge for the Saints moments later, curling just over from the same distance.
Smallbone gave Southampton their lead from the penalty spot, firing to the left of House, after Johnson was felled by Melbourne.
Albion dominated after Saints netted the game’s opener, with Finn Azaz, Jonathan Leko and Rogers all combining with Hoolahan to create a number of chances.
The Baggies earned their equaliser with 14 minutes remaining. Rogers drove the ball 30 yards, passing three Saints defenders, before he was hacked down inside the ‘D’. The youngster dusted himself down before floating the resulting free-kick over the wall and under the bar.
Leko almost gave Albion the lead a few minutes later but his goal-bound shot, following a burst from the right wing, was blocked inside the six-yard box.
Tulloch did the same from the left moments later - but his fierce left-foot effort was well saved by former Baggies stopper Jack Rose from 10 yards.
Rogers drove a half-volley just over the woodwork from 20 yards late on, but Burton’s men were forced to settle for a point.
ALBION: House; Melbourne, Ferguson, Solanke; Mears (Meredith 60), Rogers, Morrison (Azaz HT), Harmon; Leko, Hoolahan, Tulloch (Asomugha 84).
Substitutes: Griffiths, Healy.
