Albion’s PL2 team open their National League Cup campaign with a trip to non-league Ebbsfleet United on Tuesday night (ko 7pm).
The young Baggies are competing in Group D, alongside Under-21 teams Tottenham, West Ham and Nottingham Forest, against fifth-tier quartet Sutton United, Dagenham and Redbridge, Braintree Town, and their first opponents, the Fleet.
Venue
Richard Beale’s academy hopefuls will travel to United’s Kuflink Stadium on Tuesday evening.
The 4,700-seater stadium has hosted six National League games this term (W:1, D:1, L:4), and they'll be keen to start the NL Cup on a positive note when they welcome Albion's 21s.
Pre-match thoughts
Skipper Matt Richards says his team-mates are relishing going up against senior opposition under the lights, and believes there is enough in the squad to match their upcoming opponents.
“We’re really looking forward to this one,” said Matt.
“We know it’s going to be a different type of game that we’re used to and they’ll play with a different style compared with the PL2, but it’s going to be a great test.
“It’s been good to test myself at centre-half. I’ve played there before in a back three, recently it’s been in a back four which is a lot different, but it’s been good to test myself while trying to improve my midfield game.
“I actually think playing at centre-half will help when I step back into midfield, but it’s good having that versatility.
“There’s pride, every time I put on the armband for this club and leading the boys out.
“It’s a great honour to lead the lads and it’s easy when you’ve got such a great bunch of lads and friends. We’ve had a good run of results recently and we’re unbeaten in four.
“Physically, it’s going to be tough but I think we’ve got more than enough to match Ebbsfleet and get a result.
“They are good footballing teams that we’re going to be coming up against in this competition.
“They are full-time professionals, they’ve been in the academy situation we’re in now, but if we turn up and show our quality then we’ve got more than enough in the team to play our usual stuff and succeed.”
Matchday information
For supporters attending the game, Ebbsfleet have provided the following information.
Gates will open at 5:30pm. Ticket windows and the Ebbsfleet International Car Park C will be open from 5pm.
The Main Stand, Plough End and part of the Swanscombe End will be open on the night, but the Old Main Stand and Geeks Corner will be closed for the fixture.
There will be no segregation in place for the fixture and we remind supporters that alcohol cannot be consumed in view of the pitch.
Tickets can be purchased here in advance or from the ticket windows from 5pm.
How to follow
Owing to a first-team fixture being played on the same day, we will be unable to provide live coverage of Tuesday’s match between the U21s and Ebbsfleet.
The full report and reaction to the game will be available on the club website on Wednesday morning.
