Albion Under-18s produced an energetic second half display to defeat Middlesbrough in the fourth round of the FA Youth Cup at the Hawthorns on Tuesday night.
The visitors found a way through Albion’s defence just six minutes in when a lofted ball over the top was met by Harry Green, and the striker slotted past Josh Griffiths to give Boro an early lead.
A disappointing setback evidently didn’t dent the Baggies confidence when they equalised just a minute later.
Finley Thorndike’s deflected effort fell to Alex Gilbert just outside of the six-yard box, who quickly adjusted to pick his spot and level the scores.
Albion were much more lively after the break. Following a save from Gilbert’s left-wing cross, Flatters palmed the ball into the path of Tom Fellows whose shot was spilled by the keeper and slowly edged over the line to give Peter Gilbert's side the lead.
It didn’t take long for Fellows to double his tally for the game. Good interplay by Malcolm presented Fellows with an opportunity on goal and his strike across the 'keeper found the bottom corner to extend the Baggies' advantage.
With just over 10 minutes remaining, good footwork by Thorndike allowed him space for a shot just inside the box and his low drive got Albion’s fourth goal, leaving little doubt they would be in the next round of the FA Youth Cup.
ALBION: Griffiths; Ingram, H Williams, Taylor, Delaney (Ashworth 89); King, Andrews (Smith 84); Fellows, Thorndike, Gilbert; Malcolm (Wakeling 84).
Substitutes: Emery, Hill, Gardner-Hickman, Faal.