Progression hangs in the balance for West Brom under-21s ahead of two decisive dates
Albion under-21s' Premier League Cup progress hangs in the balance with two ties left prior to the Christmas break.
Leigh Downing's youngsters were dealt a damaging blow on Monday night as they were humbled 5-1 on the road at group E rivals Brentford.
The rout saw the Bees prospects climb above the junior Baggies into top spot to leave Albion second in the four-team group, level on seven points with third-placed Exeter, with a stronger goal difference and having played a game fewer.
Brentford struck back with revenge for the recent PL Cup clash at Alexander Stadium which the hosts edged 1-0 against 10 men having struck early through the in-form Souleyman Mandey and clung on.
It started well for Downing's side at Wheatsheaf Park, home to the Bees' youth outfits and former club Staines Town. Promising central defender Noah DuPont, the New Zealand youth international who has caught the eye of the senior reckoning in recent weeks, opened the scoring with a header after 10 minutes.
The Baggies held on to their lead until shortly before the interval - but some quickfire clinical finishing from the hosts had them 3-1 up at half-time through Michel Boni and a Iwan Morgan double.
Albion hopes were not helped by shipping a fourth to Boni less than 10 minutes after the restart and Kyrie Pierre added a late fifth.
The visiting side featured an increased number of under-18s squad members, including Solihull-born attacking midfielder Ryan Colesby, formerly of Wolves, who has stepped up to feature for the under-21s more of late.
There was also a start for under-18s striker Adam Okorodudu, while Antonio Perkins, Shane Gompe and Remar McNeil, all of Chay Thompson's under-18s, made it from the bench.
Also involved from the off was Italian midfield prospect Dauda Iddrisa for the first time since returning from the under-17 World Cup in Qatar, when his nation won a bronze medal.
The Baggies can seal progression to the knockout stages of the cup competition by finishing in the top two of their group with ties against Exeter, away next Tuesday December 16, and at Alexander Stadium against bottom side Luton on December 22 remaining.
Downing's under-21s, meanwhile, signed off for their Premier League International Cup campaign with a late 2-1 defeat against Spanish visitors Valencia at Solihull Moors last week.
The Baggies led as striker Justin Francis-Caesar struck 16 minutes from time at Damson Park but the Spaniards levelled with seven minutes left and won it with a stoppage-time strike.
Albion's first appearance in the continental competition finished with one win - memorably against Juventus at The Hawthorns - from four outings.
The under-21s must finish in the top 16 of the 29-strong Premier League 2 table to qualify again next term.
Downing's side are currently third-bottom, in 27th, having won just one of nine league games this term. The last month has been dominated by cup action and Albion return to PL2 focus on January 9 with a trip to mid-table Arsenal.
