Albion PL2 boss Richard Beale says his side are ready for a “big test” in their second Premier League Cup match against Southampton on Thursday night at Snows Stadium (ko 7pm).
The young Baggies made a winning start in their first group stage clash against AFC Bournemouth’s Under-23s, courtesy of goals from Owen Windsor and Rico Richards.
Although his side were edged out in their last league game against Aston Villa, Beale is demanding Albion's youngsters push for their “usual intensity” levels as they look for another positive result in the PL Cup against their Southampton counterparts.
“I know the lads are chomping at the bit to get out there and get back up to their usual intensity for the game on Thursday,” said Beale.
“We were far better during the second half of our last game against Villa, but we started slowly and seemed to stand off them a bit which isn’t us and not the way we want to play. But after the break we got closer, closed them down, got players higher up the pitch and made a good game of it.
“We got the second goal to make it 3-2 and had a really good spell of domination, but unfortunately we didn’t take our chances in the key moments which would’ve swung the game in our favour.
“We didn’t get to the heights we’ve been at and if we had reached our usual intensity levels, I think it would have been a winnable game.
“We expect a minimum level of performance and we fell short of that last time out, and it’s our job to make sure each game the boys knock off the rough edges technically, tactically and psychologically so we can continue working towards improving those things every day.
“Southampton have a good academy, put out good teams who play the right way, and it will be a big test for us without a shadow of a doubt.
“But we’re looking forward to that challenge and seeing the boys try to get back to the performance levels we’ve seen them produce already this season.”
How to follow the match
Tickets will be available on the gate for Albion's PL Cup clash against Southampton at the Snows Stadium on Thursday night.
Prices are set at £3 for adults, while Under-18s can go for free.
