Albion's PL2 side left the North East disappointed after falling to defeat against Newcastle United at Whitley Park on Friday night.
All five goals came in the second period and despite the Baggies taking the lead initially through Fenton Heard, the hosts responded with three goals to turn the game on its head - with Harry Whitwell's stoppage-time effort coming too late on to force a leveller.
There were plenty of positives for Richard Beale’s men to take in with them at the half-time interval, with the visitors from the Black Country dominating the opening exchanges.
Barring two counter-attacks down the left flank as a result of some sloppy passes from Albion’s defence, they carved the clearcut openings and should’ve taken the lead on several occasions as Heard and Ollie Bostock found themselves in the clinical positions.
Still, Heard failed to get enough power on his shot inside the box to divert Alex Williams’ cross home, while Wales U17 captain Bostock got put through one-on-one with the better of the two chances.
However, after beating his retreating marker with a smart bit of footwork just a few yards out, the outstretched hand of United shot-stopper Jude Smith prevented the recently-signed professional from turning in the game’s first goal.
But the opener did come early into the second 45 - Heard being allowed space to maraud forward and fire a deflected left-footed effort in off the bar.
Bostock then fired a good chance to make it 2-0 over the bar from inside the box, and it was made to pay as Albion’s academy hopefuls found themselves 3-1 down within 13 minutes.
Ben Parkinson levelled with a close-range finish, before substitute Ryan Crossley fired in a brace to completely change the complexion of the match.
Whitwell drove in the Baggies’ second early into stoppage time to provide some hope, but time ran out for Beale’s boys - who left the North East with nothing to show for their efforts and plenty to learn from despite some positive moments on the night.
Albion: Foster; Williams, Trialist (Richards 59), Hall ©️, Shaw; Deeming, Whitwell, Heard; Higgins (N.Phillips 84), Malcolm (Sule 73), Bostock.
Subs not used: Brady (GK), Harper-Bailey.
