Jakub Niemczyk’s late consolation goal was not enough to spark a comeback as the Young Brewers fell to a 2-1 defeat to Huddersfield Town at St George’s Park.
Goals at either side of half-time from Patrick Jones and Robson Shipley took the wind out of the Young Brewers, who had defended resiliently up until that point.
The away side started with constant high intensity and almost took an early lead as Jones' dangerous ball across goal wasn't slotted home.
A barrage of attacks continued to put the home side on the back foot. Jones made his way onto the edge of the box and crossed the ball to Shipley who tapped the ball, but his joy was short-lived as the linesman raised his flag for offside.
20 minutes into the game, the Brewers had their first attempt on goal. Niemczyk found some space on the edge of the box but his effort rolled straight into the arms of 'keeper Giosue Bellagambi.
Jones continued to threaten for Huddersfield as he fired a low cross to Diarra Brahima. The forward latched onto to it but skewed his shot wide of the mark.
The Brewers once again had a good chance to take the lead when Owen Hickson slid in but his goal bound effort was well held.
However, the away side took the lead just before half-time. Jones intercepted a header back towards goal, rounded goalkeeper Nathan Smith and slotted home.
The lead was doubled just four minutes after the start of the second half. A long ball over the top found Shipley and the winger fired past Smith.
However the hosts battled hard to find a route back into the game. Just after the hour mark, Niemczyk launched a powerful shot that drifted wide of the post.
A few minutes later, Said Idouarab smartly played a free-kick into the path of Mitchell White, where the striker took it round the defender, but his attempt was blocked.
Huddersfield then looked to put the game beyond all doubt, as Jones once more rounded the goalkeeper, but Smith recovered well to pull off a great save.
In added time, Albion reaped their rewards and got a goal back. A ball was played to the back post where Niemczyk did well to fire into the back of the net.
Post-match, Professional Development Phase Lead Coach Sam Rose wasn’t satisfied with the performance and thinks that the Young Brewers could’ve got more. He also talked about what they must do going into the next game
“They had chances and we had chances. They had more of the ball, but I think we created enough to not lose today and that is frustrating.
“We want to win football matches, and our focus is to finish in the top six before the league splits. As much as this is a development programme, we need to balance that up and make sure we give the players enough to develop and enough support to keep improving week-by-week, as well as getting results.” Rose said.
However, Rose discussed the importance of weathering the early storm as the Brewers looked to grow into the game in the first half.
He said: “They are a good side so we knew we would have to be organised off the ball and try to frustrate them, press them from the front and maybe catch them on the counter.
“It’s something we focussed on before the game. But the opposition were getting down the sides and creating opportunities. We found it difficult to defend.”