Albion Under-23s’ seven game unbeaten run came to an end as they lost 3-1 to Manchester United at Leigh Sports Village.
Despite taking the lead through Jamie Soule and creating several chances throughout the game - including having a penalty saved, the Baggies fell to defeat in the Premier League 2 Division Two.
Chris Brunt and Dara O’Shea gained game time, adding experience to the spine of the team.
Soule opened the scoring for the Baggies early on. Chris Willock played a ball out wide to George Harmon who hit a low cross, which Soule tapped in from close range.
Despite the hosts having lots of early possession, Albion could have stretched their advantage. Soule fired over from inside the box, while a last-ditch tackle prevented Rekeem Harper poking the visitors further ahead.
After the break the hosts levelled. A clearance from a United corner landed at Large Ramazani’s feet in the box and he hit a shot into the corner of the net.
Willock then won a penalty when Ramazani brought him down in the box, but his resulting spot-kick was saved by Matěj Kovář, who dived to his bottom right.
Then, the hosts took the lead when D’Marni Mellor blocked a Brad House kick - incidentally turning it into the Albion net.
Harper and Tulloch both went close to levelling the scoring for the Baggies, but with time running out Angel Gomes completed a tidy move to secure the win for the Red Devils.
ALBION: House; Meredith (White 85), Fitzwater, O’Shea, Harmon; Harper, Brunt; Willock, Azaz, Tulloch; Soule (Clayton-Phillips 52).
Substitutes: Boruc, Dyce, Solanke.