Albion’s third pre-season fixture of 2024/25 ended in a 2-1 defeat to Blackpool.
A total of 21 players were used during the game which was contested at the Baggies’ training ground in Walsall.
John Swift was on target for the hosts in between strikes from Sonny Carey and Ashley Fletcher.
The visitors opened the scoring inside the opening two minutes when a ball played along the floor from the right side of the box found its way through to Carey, who placed an effort beyond Ted Cann into the bottom corner.
Carlos Corberán’s men almost drew level instantly, however Darnell Furlong’s volley was kicked away by the Blackpool stopper Richard O’Donnell.
Albion had further chances to equalise before the break. Semi Ajayi headed over from 10 yards after doing well to rise above a number of defenders, while youngster Ollie Bostock saw a right-footed shot saved, with Tom Fellow’s rebound being brilliantly blocked.
Alex Mowatt then hit a ferocious drive just over the top of the bar, while, at the other end, Cann saved a strike from the edge of the box following a quick break forward from the Tangerines.
The boss made a host of changes at the break and the Baggies were back on level terms within the first few minutes of the second period.
Albion won the ball high up the pitch and Tom Fellow’s picked out John Swift on the edge of the penalty area, with the playmaker bending a beautiful attempt into the top corner.
Brandon Thomas-Asante then narrowly missed the target after rifling a shot towards goal from range, while Swift stung the gloves of O’Donnell with a 30-yard free-kick.
Substitute Josh Maja tried his luck twice from distance in the space of a few minutes, flashing a strike just wide before forcing a smart save from the stopper.
It was Blackpool who found the game’s third goal, though. Ashley Fletcher raced through and managed to squeeze the ball under Joe Wildsmith inside the final ten minutes.
Academy graduate Mo Faal had a late opportunity for the home team, but his strike smashed into the side of the net rather than the back of it.
ALBION XI first 45: Cann, Furlong, Ajayi, Taylor (Bartley 30), Heggem, Mowatt, Whitwell, Heard, Fellows, Bostock, Thomas-Asante.
ALBION XI second 45: Wildsmith, Hall, Ajayi (Taylor 65), Bartley, Townsend, Molumby, Swift, Fellows (Nelson 65), Maja, Bostock (Faal), Thomas-Asante (Grant 65).
