West Brom under-21s notebook: True grit, home knockout advantage, magical Mandey, Parker power and Maxwell's moment
Albion under-21s finished their Premier League Cup group stage in style by topping the charts thanks to a thrilling 4-3 success against Luton.
A double from Souleyman Mandey and strikes from Deago Nelson and Michael Parker ensured top spot for Leigh Downing’s team, despite a first-half red card.
Here are some talking points from the latest under-21s notebook extract.
Table-toppers
Qualification to the knockout stages had already been secured via the fine 2-1 win at Exeter six days earlier, but Downing's side knew a home win in Monday's finale would seal top spot - and with it the benefit of a home tie in the round of 16.
Visitors Luton had been poor throughout the competition but Albion still had to get the job done at Alexander Stadium, and did so in style.
Luton struck back to level from the penalty spot after right wing-back Nelson's opener but Mandey made it 2-1 after a flowing move and Parker added a third with a stunning individual effort. The Hatters pulled one back after Albion had been reduced to 10 men with goalkeeper Brian Okonkwo dismissed but the Baggies came on strong and scored a fine fourth through Mandey before the visitors' consolation.
The youngsters showed grit and class to win with 10 men.
