Albion’s under-21s extended their winning run in Premier League 2 to three matches with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over a stubborn Nottingham Forest side who came into the match unbeaten.
A brave centre-forward’s header from Mark O’Mahony after 72 minutes finally broke the deadlock.
Kick-off was delayed by 30 minutes after Forest’s team coach was caught in heavy traffic.
When they emerged onto the field the visitors still found themselves penned in. But although Albion saw the lion’s share of the ball, they found the East Midlanders hard to break down, the defenders often at full stretch in their efforts to close down their opponents.
Albion’s best chance of the first half came after 27 minutes when O’Mahony escaped his markers to meet Luca Barrington’s corner with a firm header that goalkeeper Will Brook somehow saved when a goal seemed certain.
Three minutes later Jack Hinshelwood only just failed to make contact with Casper Nilsson’s driven cross. He did better with a near-copy of O’Mahony’s chance but nodded the ball over the crossbar.
Most of the danger had come down Albion’s right where Jamie Mullins ensured that Cam Peupion, now on loan to Cheltenham Town, wasn't too badly missed. Forest captain Jamie McDonnell was shown a yellow card for one challenge on the Irishman and he almost gave Albion the lead after 51 minutes but volleyed too high.
So it was unfortunate that the former Bohemians winger was forced off on the hour with a shoulder injury after falling awkwardly. But Barrington switched to the right after his departure, and it was his cross that O’Mahony headed past Brook with 20 minutes to go.
The striker looked second- or third-favourite to reach the ball but his desire to win the ball ahead of two defenders made the difference.
Substitute Josh Duffus almost doubled the lead from an excellent pass by Ruairi McConville but hit his shot too close to Brook. Forest threw everything at Albion in added time - including goalkeeper Brook - but Shannon Ruth’s side held out.
Albion: Cahill; Nilsson, McConville, Kavanagh, Samuels; Hinchy, Chouchane (Duffus 75); Mullins (Baker-Boaitey 62), Hinshelwood, Barrington; O’Mahony.
Subs not used: Reid, Slater, Jackson.