MICHAEL Appleton was left reflecting on a 'freak' match as his Albion Academy side suffered their first defeat of the season at Middlesbrough.

The Under-18s coach insisted the 4-0 scoreline did not reflect what happened on the field, although he admitted his side contributed to their own downfall.

The Baggies trailed a James Cronesberry goal at half-time before further strikes from Stephen Thompson, Gary Martin and Shaun Saiko completed the scoring.

But Appleton said: "It was one of those freak results.

"We were outstanding in the first half.

"We were excellent in possession and created four or five good chances.

"But we conceded a goal when, in trying to do the right things, we made bad decisions.

"We were 1-0 down at half-time but thinking we'd be all right.

"The thing that disappointed me about the second half was we lost our discipline.

"Not in the sense of getting involved with their players or the referee, but in the players chasing the ball down in areas I didn't want them to.

"We lost our shape completely which resulted in them scoring two quick goals. They then added a fourth with the last kick of the game.

"Overall, I was pleased with the second half apart from the lack of discipline. We didn't have enough leaders on the pitch either."

Albion return to FA Premier Academy League (inter-group) action at home to Barnsley on Saturday.

ALBION: Carlin, Hurst, Hancox (Pike 60), Manchester, Nardiello, Nichols (Morrison 70), Labadie, Samuels, Worrall, Lake-Gaskin, Alliyu. Subs not used: Lloyd-Weston, Knight, Saeid.