Albion’s week-long warm weather training camp in Spain ended with a 1-0 defeat to Elche CF in a behind-closed door friendly on Friday morning.
Boss Carlos Corberán handed match minutes to the majority of his travelling squad in a game which was settled by Elche forward Ezequiel Ponce midway through the second 45.
The encounter started brightly on the Costa Blanca with both sides creating opportunities.
Albion went close when Brandon Thomas-Asante was inches away from connecting with a dangerous cross into the area following neat build up involving Jayson Molumby, John Swift and Jed Wallace.
Elche’s first opening saw them force Palmer into a smart stop at his near post and then striker Lucas Boye fired wide of the target.
The Baggies thought they had taken the lead after 30 minutes, only for the offside flag to deny Thomas-Asante. The forward received a defence-splitting pass from Molumby and finished confidently beyond the goalkeeper, only for the officials to rule out his strike.
Elche, who play in La Liga in Spain, had a couple of chances to open the scoring late in the first period but were unable to take either of them.
The Spanish side did draw first blood 23 minutes into the second half though. Argentinian attacker Ezequiel Ponce raced clear and managed to dink the ball over David Button to make it 1-0.
Button then made an important stop to thwart Pere Milla from close range, throwing himself at the feet of the striker to prevent Elche doubling their advantage.
Albion pushed for an equaliser in the closing stages but unfortunately it never arrived and 'Los Franjiverdes' held on toe claim a narrow triumph over Corberán’s men.