West Brom under-21s notebook: True grit, home knockout advantage, magical Mandey, Parker power and Maxwell's moment

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.

The first knockout tie must be played before the beginning of February with the draw to be confirmed.

Oh Mandey

Albion have an exciting young attack-minded midfielder in excellent form.

Austria-born Mandey, who turns 20 in February, is up to nine goals for the season and is in a real purple patch of form playing in an advanced number 10 role behind two forward of late.

His first goal against Luton was a latest cool, measured finish into the corner - he later told the Express & Star he used to be a striker - and the second was sheer quality and physique. Mandey is physically imposing and quick. He drove down the left when he had no right to and finished excellent from an improbable angle.

He is making himself known and it feels another, higher loan - he was previously at Stourbridge - is on the cards in January.

Parker’s power and poise

Left-back Parker is a familiar name to Baggies fans having made the first-team bench at times in his fledgling career.

The 21-year-old is known for his lightning pace and that was on show in a sensational solo goal where he tore from his own half before showing a different side to his game - a deft, measured lift over the goalkeeper.

Parker had a decent spell at National League North Hereford which has since ended. It is time for him to make another step in his career, ideally another loan.

Maxwell’s moment

Okonkwo's first-half red card after miscommunication with Jamal Mohammed - it looked to be the former to blame - meant a switch as boss Downing turned to 16-year-old Maxwell Moses.

It was an under-21s debut for the 16-year-old from Worcester and victory capped a wonderful week that included a fine display in the 4-3 FA Youth Cup success over Bournemouth.

Moses, who cut a diminutive figure, had confidence in his kicking and commandment of his box. He might have done better for Luton's second goal, but made a stunning late one-v-one stop to keep his side ahead.

He will have another big chance to stand out when Chay Thompson's under-18s travel to Sunderland in the fourth round of the FA Youth Cup, at Eppleton Colliery on January 29.