CITY's Under-18s slipped to an undeserved 1-0 defeat in their final match of the regular season at West Bromwich Albion on Saturday.

Dexter Peter's first half own goal came against the run of play but in the end proved to be the decisive moment in the West Midlands.

Jerry Gill's youngsters dominated possession and territory, especially in the opening period when they went closest through Louis MacIntosh, who saw his effort rebound off the bar.

West Brom got their goal from a set-piece, and they successfully defended it during a second half in which City remained on top but couldn't quite make the breakthrough.

"It was a different challenge for the boys. West Brom put ten men behind the ball from kick-off, and it was down to us to break them down," said Gill.

"It's frustrating but also pleasing because the performance was still really good. We dominated the game possession-wise, I think we had 60 final third entries which tells the story.

"In the second half we couldn't quite get up to the same high standards in recent weeks. We were a bit sloppy and didn't create as much, but all in all it was a really good performance again."

Despite this setback, Norwich will carry plenty of confidence into the seven-game Under-18s Premier League play-offs, with the ties set to be announced in the next few days.

FULL-TIME: West Bromwich Albion 1-0 Norwich City

WEST BROMWICH ALBION: Ross, Ezewele, Pritchatt, Field, Fitzwater, McCourt, Campbell (Sweeney 90), Ward, Cater (Wright 60), Edwards, Hallahan (Scrivens 75).

NORWICH CITY: Oxborough; Frimpong, Crowe, Peter, Boateng; Pollock, Black, List (Ashley-Seal 45), Cantwell; Couzens, MacIntosh.

NEXT AT CARROW ROAD
Derby, Saturday March 14, 3pm

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MATCH REPORT: WEST BROM 1-0 UNDER-18s

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