Albion’s PL2 team scored two late goals to send their National League Cup opener against Ebbsfleet United to penalties, but went on to lose in the shootout on Tuesday night.
Franklin Domi and Charles Ondo’s first-half efforts looked like they were going to be enough for the Fleet to seal an opening victory heading into the closing stages at the Kuflink Stadium.
But Alex Williams’ fine finish and a Cole Deeming penalty in the third minute of stoppage time ensured the match went to spot-kicks. Sadly, though, it was the hosts who won 5-4 on penalties to add an extra point to their tally in Group D following the first match of the competition.
A much-changed Baggies team, under the guidance of Professional Development Phase boss Richard Beale, could’ve been ahead prior to Ebbsfleet making the breakthrough.
Souleyman Mandey, back in the side following a progressive work experience loan with Stourbridge, lashed a powerful effort on target from the edge of the box - only to find home goalkeeper Dylan Berry in the way of his goal-bound strike.
Instead, Domi would capitalise on a well-worked corner routine after 17 minutes to make it 1-0 to the home team - firing in from the edge of the box after the set piece had been patiently worked to him from the right flank.
Within 34 minutes, the lead was doubled as Ondo was allowed plenty of time and space to advance forward and finish past Baggies shot-stopper Joe Wallis.
There was plenty of intent from Beale’s boys to get back into the clash after the interval, with Wales U21 international Williams being denied one-on-one, Cole Deeming seeing a free-kick parried, while Albion were denied from a goal-mouth scramble on the line.
Eventually, their goal came when a Deeming corner fell kindly to Williams on the edge of the box, who brilliantly lashed in on the half volley to halve the deficit in Kent.
Albion pushed for a leveller late on and the were given their opportunity to find one when substitute Dan Chimeziri was fouled in the area. The referee pointed to the spot, and under heavy pressure, Deeming coolly converted to make it 2-2 - sending the match to penalties.
Both sides earned a point from the draw as normal, but the spot-kicks decided who would add an additional point to their Group D total which, unfortunately, wasn’t the visitors in the end, as they missed the decisive spot-kick to leave them on just a single point.
The PL2 team play their second NL Cup match against Dagenham and Redbridge at the Chigwell Construction Stadium on Tuesday, November 5 (ko 7.45pm).
Albion: Wallis (GK), Williams, Hall (Diomande 46), Parker, Humphries (Onyemachi 62), Richards, Mandey (Deeming 62), Heard (Chimeziri 62), Nelson, Trialist (Sule 46), Higgins.
Subs not used: Brady (GK).
Check out the WBA TV highlights from Tuesday's National League Cup opener below.
