Under-18s out of Premier League Cup despite beating Middlesbrough

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Albion defeated Boro in final group match.

Charlie Hanson

2025-11-22T19:00+00:00

Cristiano Anah netted in the 80th minute to secure the win. 📷 by James Boardman.

Albion were knocked out of the Premier League Under-18s Cup on Saturday despite a terrific 3-2 win over Middlesbrough.

Bjorn Hamberg's side finished with six points from three games, but were beaten to top spot by Manchester United on goal difference.

Boro went in front after 13 minutes thanks to Cruz Ibeh, but Bode Newnham-Reeve equalised when he chopped past a defender before curling in from 12 yards.

Albion went ahead two minutes before half-time when Raffaele Oppong stroked home from just inside the box after a cross from the right was cut out, but Ibeh responded for the visitors in the 69th minute to make it 2-2.

Cristiano Anah would prove to be the difference maker though, as with ten minutes to go he tucked in from a tight angle.

Under-18s head coach Bjorn Hamberg said, “We had to defend a lot of long throw ins and corners until the game settled. We did that really well and that allowed us to grow into the game.

"Even when we conceded a goal we started to take control of the game. We scored two great goals from Raff and Bode to get ourselves in a good position for second half.

“Middlesbrough came out fighting in the second half, but the boys coming off the bench made a great impact and Cristiano got the winner with a drilled finish in top corner.

“It’s a great win and we showed great character to get the winning goal.”