Craig Mackail-Smith made a fleeting comeback for Albion today after ten months on the sidelines.

The striker played for the first 24 minutes of a 2-1 defeat for the development squad at Brentford.

The duration of Mackail-Smith's return was pre-planned. It was his first game time since rupturing an Achilles at Bristol City last March and then breaking an ankle during his recovery.

The Albion side also included midfielder George Cole, an 18-year-old trialist from Chelsea, and winger Jeffrey Monakana who was substituted in the second half of his second appearance since signing from Preston.

Brennan Dickenson put Albion ahead in the 41st minute. Charlie Adams equalised with a penalty on the stroke of half-time after Glenn Rea fouled him inside the box and Brentford won it 12 minutes from time with a goal which deflected in off Jess Starkey.

Albion: Smith; Deen, Dallison, Rea, Hunt; Cole; Monakana (Muitt 57), Asmundsson (Harris 72), Starkey, Dickenson; Mackail-Smith (Richards 24). Subs not used: Walton, Barclay.