Five different scorers as West Brom youngsters run riot in PL Cup win
Albion under-21s hit the goal trail as five different scorers helped seal an eye-catching 5-1 PL Cup win at Luton.
The big victory puts Leigh Downing's youngsters in a strong position to qualify from their group of four in the competition next month.
The statement victory came via four second-half goals and five different Albion scorers in all at the Hatters' Kenilworth Road home.
Three defenders found the net with Deago Nelson, Michael Parker and Noah DuPont on target, before midfielder Charlie Blackshields made it four in stoppage time and striker Jaiden Francis-Caesar struck a fifth with one of the tie's final kicks.
For Downing's side it was an ideal response to a disappointing display and defeat last time out, where the young Baggies shipped three first half to lose 3-0 at home to Everton in PL2 action.
New Zealand youth international defender DuPont said: "It was really good to get back to winning ways. Obviously it wasn't the greatest performance against Everton and to bounce back with this result - to score five goals which is what we've been focusing on - is a real positive for us."
He added on a first goal at under-21s level: "It's just relief really, I've had a few chances over the last few games, a few cleared off the line, it was an exciting feeling.
"We dominated physically and ran all over them, which gave us time and space to show our quality.
"Hopefully I can carry on improving, keep my place in the team and keep going towards hopefully making my first-team debut in the future."
Right-back Nelson's fine driven finish from 20 yards handed the Baggies before Souleyman Mandey hit the post from range.
The Hatters hit back to equalise through senior forward Jacob Brown - one of four first-teamers in Luton's ranks - headed in five minutes before the break.
Downing's side took charge in one-way traffic after the interval. Left-back Parker, who has fared well on loan at National League North Hereford this term - rose to tower in a header from the left to regain the lead.
DuPont made it three midway through the half as he poked in a scramble in the box.
The young Baggies completed the riot in the closing stages as substitute Blackshields fired in a fine left-footed strike from range before fellow sub Francis-Caesar converted a neat header for five.
Albion's PL Cup campaign continues with a home tie against third-placed Brentford on November 28, go to leaders Exeter on December 16 and host bottom side Luton on December 22. The top two qualify.
