MICHAEL Appleton has called for his Under-18s team to bounce back from their disappointing 7-0 beating at Manchester United, insisting: "The season starts now."

The Baggies host Liverpool on Saturday (ko 11.30am) in the FA Premier Academy League (Group C) looking to erase the memories of back-to-back defeats by United and Manchester City.

"We were beaten badly by a team that played really well," said Appleton.

"It is the first time I have ever had to question our lads' commitment and work rate since I've been in charge of the youth team.

"I told them they are paid to be professional - they are treated like professional footballers and they should do what professionals do, which they didn't.

"They let a lot of people down by giving in.

"United may have been a side that are two or three goals better than us but certainly not seven.

"There's been a lot of soul-searching over the weekend and they've got to be big enough and strong enough to take it on the chin.

"As far as I'm concerned the season starts now because we've had a mixed start.

"The most important thing against Liverpool on Saturday is that they give 100 per cent.

"If I get that then I'll be happy and we can work from there."

ALBION (4-4-2): Allsopp; Samuels, Manchester (Pike HT), Mason, Hancox; Worrall, Callagher (Saeid HT), Nichols, Lake-Gaskin; Knight (Bruce 65), S Morrison. Subs not used: Lloyd-Weston.

Women

Baggies ladies thrashed Hereford Pegasus 9-0 in the Midland Combination Main League yesterday as they extended their unbeaten run to eight games.

Hayley Phillipowsky fired four goals, Hayley Moore notched a double and Chanelle Hooper, Amy Rippington and Abbie Hinton got on the scoresheet. 

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