Richard Beale is keen to see his young side produce a "disciplined" performance when they host Leeds United at Keys Park on Monday evening (ko 6pm).
The young Baggies face the Whites a week after coming out on top against the Yorkshiremen at the LNER Community Stadium courtesy of Rico Richards’ late strike.
A silky smooth finish from @rico_richards10. 💚💛
— West Bromwich Albion (@WBA) January 17, 2023
Take a look at the full match highlights from our PL2 side's victory over Leeds. 🎥
It was a spirited performance from Beale’s group, who faced a very strong United side which had gained plenty of senior exposure prior to facing the boys from the Black County under the lights in York.
But as Albion’s youngsters look to do the double over Leeds in Hednesford, their Senior Professional Development Phase boss believes his team have laid important foundations to build from, and insists they must show that against their high-flying counterparts on Monday night.
“I thought our last game against Leeds was a really disciplined performance from our players,” said Beale.
"The last game was a real challenge so I’m sure they’ll want to avenge the last result, but we want to do the double over them.
"It’s strange to play the same team twice in a week but we know what they’re about. They have some good players and we have to match those levels again.
“Leeds have been doing well this year so it was nice off the back of a long journey, and a lot of preparation in the build-up, that we were able to show the performance levels and energy we were after before the match.
“The whole team performance was based on resilience and character, but they have to build from that now and that’s a minimum.
“Fight, determination, concentration, discipline… if you want to be a professional football player, they have to be a given every time you step on the pitch.
“We’re all about putting players into the first team here. That’s what we’re here for and we want to win every single game we play.
“The manager is very knowledgable about youth development and he’s very open with what I tell him.
“He takes onboard the feedback I give, he watches clips from our games and it’s refreshing to have a manager who’s into our side of the game, and I think having him at the club going forwards is going to be integral to what happens with the youth side of things.
“Your next game is your biggest game. That’s what I always say to the boys and until you’ve built a CV in men’s football, you’re still trying to find your way.
"The theme between now and the end of the season is going to be replicating high-level performances week in, week out because that’s the only way these boys will get a career in the game.
"It’s good to see Akeel, Kevin, Fenton, Evan and Deago around the U21s and playing with people older than them will only stand in good stead and we’re looking forward to seeing how they develop over the coming months.
“Another result would go hand-in-hand with developing our players and that’s what we’ll be looking to get on Monday.”
How to follow the game
Tickets will be available for Albion’s PL2 clash with Leeds United at Keys Park on Monday night.
Season ticket holders can watch the match for free, while the prices stand at £5 for adults, and just £1 for juniors.
Alternatively, season ticket holders and members can also enjoy a live stream of the match. Click here and log in with your My Albion account linked to your season ticket or membership.
The stream will begin 10 minutes before kick-off (5.50pm).
If you haven’t yet set up your account click here for instructions.
