West Brom under-18s dazzle in FA Youth Cup as Bostock bags screamer to down Norwich

Leigh Downing's juniors remain on course to repeat the class of the class of 2018/19, which went all the way to the semi-final before a 4-2 defeat to a Manchester City youth side packed with stars of the future. Albion had Josh Griffiths in goal, future City man Morgan Rogers in action as well as Louie Barry, among others.

The last success of note for the under-18s was 2021/22's memorable Premier League Cup penalty shootout success over Wolves at The Hawthorns.

The visitors fought back from an early deficit at Norwich to storm to a 4-2 victory against the divisional rivals in the last 16.

Divine Onyemachi and skipper Cole Deeming turned the scoreline around by half-time before Rio Parmer helped Albion into a two-goal lead and, despite one back for the hosts, Wales youth international Ollie Bostock rounded off the night in style with a stunning fourth.

Bostock, who turns 18 next month and was on the bench for Tony Mowbray's first team against Portsmouth, beat a rival to pick up the ball in his own half, darted the length of the pitch before finishing with unerring accuracy.

Earlier in the contest Onyemachi nodded home from close range after Parmer's header had struck the crossbar to cancel out Finlay Oligbo's opener.

Captain Deeming then finished crisply after being found by Bostock to put Downing's youngsters ahead in Norfolk.

Rangy attack-minded midfielder Parmer made it three for the visitors with an accurate curled effort from the edge of the area.

Elliot Myles gave the home side hope but the stage was set for Bostock's stunner to cap a night to remember for the under-18s.

The success adds to a fine victory at Stoke in the previous round after a chaotic 6-4 success at Harrogate prior to that. The quarter-final draw is due to take place in due course.

Albion's under-18s are bottom of the Premier League South and are next in action away to Arsenal on February 8.