Under-18s' winning run ended by Norwich

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A 3-1 defeat to the Canaries came after seven successive victories.

Charlie Hanson

2021-04-13T12:30:00Z

Zak Emmerson grabbed Albion's goal against Norwich.

Albion suffered a first defeat in eight Premier League South matches when they were beaten at home by Norwich City on Saturday.

Seven consecutive wins catapulted Albion up the league table, including a win over an Aston Villa team just days after they had knocked Mark Beard’s team out of the FA Youth Cup.

Zak Emmerson finished off a slick counter-attack to put Albion in front against the Canaries in the 27th minute, but the visitors responded through Kenneth Aboh and Alex Matos to head in at the break 2-1 up.

An Albion penalty appeal was turned down before Aboh added a third with 20 minutes to play. Goalkeeper Toby Bull was sent off for a foul on a Norwich player through on goal with Albion chasing the game.

Professional development phase coach James Baxter said, “We’ve had a good run in the league, but it caught up with us. We’ve had a few long-term injuries and the development of some of the boys has seen them involved with the under-23s, so that has left us a little bit thin.

James Baxter has been proud of Albion Under-18s efforts this campaign.

“We looked a bit tired against Norwich, but credit to them. They came out of the blocks quickly. Every good run has to come to an end, we’ve been playing Saturday-Tuesday for four weeks and we’re a young group. This time of the season gives us an opportunity to take a closer look at the 16-year-olds coming through which is a real plus.

“There was no element of complacency in our game, it was just a case of not being at the races on the day. Everything we have asked of the team to do this season they have done to the best of their ability.”

The Under-18s are back in action this Saturday as they welcome Reading to the American Express Elite Football Performance Centre.