Albion under-23s continued preparations for the upcoming Premier League 2 campaign with a 1-0 defeat to Stockport County.
Stockport defender Alex Reid headed in the only goal of the game just before half-time, with Jaami Qureshi and Zak Emmerson going closest for Albion.
It could have shaped up to be a different afternoon had Andrew Moran’s curling effort from the edge of the box not been deflected narrowly over, following a blistering Albion counter-attack after 20 minutes.
Tom McGill was called into action at the other end of the field nine minutes later, superbly tipping Ryan Rydel’s cross-shot round the post at full stretch.
The visitors had their lead though with three minutes of the first half to play, as Reid rose highest to nod home Rydel’s corner.
Both sides made wholesale changes throughout the game, with County going close to finding the next goal, as the ball pinballed around the Albion box but Joe Quigley’s low effort was well saved by McGill.
Qureshi had Albion’s best chance as they went in search of an equaliser, pinching the ball just inside the Stockport half before charging at their backline and getting into the box but, forced wide by the defender, his low stinging effort was deflected over for a corner – a brilliant piece of play by the young midfielder.
Zak Emmerson tried his luck as he cut onto his right just inside the box but again Albion was denied by a block.
Albion are back in action this Friday, as they take on Reading Under-23s.
Albion line-up: McGill, Nilsson, Packham, Offiah, Turns, Sturge, Dicker, Spong, Chouchane, Moran, Ifill.
Subs used: Talley, Miller, Jackson, Hinshelwood, Jenks, Emmerson, Qureshi.