West Brom have the same problem on two fronts after nine-goal swing

West Brom’s under 23s were given a second comprehensive beating in the space of a week on the Hawthorns turf at the hands of a mightily impressive and well drilled Nottingham Forest on Monday.

Ateef Konate, Alex Gibson-Hammond (2), Billy Fewster and Lewis Salmon Valencia all found the net against sub par Albion side who struggled to find any rhythm or cohesion for any significant period over time over the course of the evening.

In front of a Halfords Lane stand with supporters, many of whom were season ticket holders, and a host of senior staff including boss Steve Bruce, first-team coach and son Alex, head of recruitment Ian Pearce and academy manager Richard Stevens, there was regrettably painfully little to shout about here.

It’s been a damaging week, on the back of the 4-0 hammering that rivals Wolves dished out in Telford a week ago. No points and a nine-goal swing is especially detrimental at this stage of the season, for a side who only a couple of weeks ago - and likely still do - harbour ambitions of promotion via the play-offs.

Here are the talking points.

Albion’s 23s are little disjointed at the minute. Zac Ashworth, such an important player not only because of his ability but his versatility, was missing after being called up by Wales under 21s, while 23s regulars Ted Cann and Mo Faal are out on loan.

It was an attack minded side that Richard Beale sent out here, against a Forest side whose 23s are clearly feeling the benefits of the confidence drip down effect installed by Steve Cooper this term.

Jovan Malcolm, Reyes Cleary, Tom Fellows and Rayhaan Tulloch all started, but Tulloch was operating in a midfield three and natural midfielder Jamie Andrews was pushed back into left back.

Albion’s success this