CHERRIES' Premier League Cup campaign got off to a losing start with a 2-0 defeat against West Bromwich Albion.

Shaun Cooper's under-21s came unstuck after a goal in each half, from Owen Windsor and Rico Richards, in the group opener held at AFC Telford.

Goalkeeper Will Dennis made a string of early saves, before Christian Saydee squandered the visitors' clearest first-half opening.

After captain Brennan Camp had been forced off due to a head injury, his replacement Jack Wadham conceded a penalty. However, Dennis was equal to the task. As Windsor attempted to chip the ball down the centre of the goal, the young stopper read it well to grab hold of the effort.

But Windsor did make amends just before half-time, tapping home from close range.

Marcus Daws went close to equalising on the hour mark, before Euan Pollock's effort was cleared off the line.

Nathan Moriah-Welsh also went close, before Richards slotted in at the other end after a spill from Dennis with 15 minutes to play.

Cherries return to Premier League Cup action against Arsenal at Vitality Stadium next month.

Cherries: Dennis, Genesini, Seddon, Camp (Wadham, 35), Greenwood, Moriah-Welsh, Nippard, Roberts, Kurran-Browne (Daws, 50), Pollock, Saydee (Okoh, 83).

Unused subs: Boutin, Camis (g/k).