West Brom U23’s secured their first victory of the season in an enthralling game against Stoke City at The Hawthorns.
Albion’s squad was bolstered by the inclusion of first-team regulars James Morrison and Oliver Burke as the Baggies got their Premier League 2 campaign back on track.
After a cagey opening, the Scottish duo of Morrison and Burke linked up superbly to give Albion the lead in the 11th minute. Morrison’s inviting through-ball was latched onto by Burke down the left-hand side as the winger cut in onto the edge of the 18-yard box and curled the ball into the far corner of the net.
Stoke almost responded with a goal of their own shortly after, as Mark Waddington’s low drive was saved by Alex Palmer and Tre Pemberton’s shot dragged wide of the post.
Midway through the first half, Albion youngster Jonathan Leko went close to scoring twice in a matter of minutes, but saw both his shots go wide as West Brom heaped more pressure onto Stoke’s defence.
The Potters nearly equalised just before half-time when Albion’s defence failed to clear from a corner. Josh Tymon had the goal at his mercy, but failed to hit the target and a lack of composure saw his effort flash wide of the post.
Shortly after the break Albion added to their lead on 51 minutes as Rekeem Harper finished off a swift counter-attacking move by tapping into an open goal from 6 yards out.
Against the run of play, Stoke substitute Krisztofer Szereto gave the visitors a lifeline on the 58th minute.
An over hit cross found the wideman on the right-hand side, he cut in and fired across goal with the ball deflecting into the back of the net off the unfortunate Albion centre back, Kyle Howkins.
Szereto continued tormenting the Albion backline with his direct style of play, firing wide after some nimble footwork on the edge of the box shortly after Howkins’ own goal.
The momentum was in Stoke’s favour and their constant pressure was rewarded in the 79th minute as full-back Moritz Bauer’s sumptuous delivery was met by the head of Oliver Shenton, who looped the ball over Palmer and into the net.
The 87th minute saw West Brom take the lead again as Callum Morton’s cross travelled across the six yard box and fell to Leko, the midfielder made up for his poor first touch with a fantastic improvised volley to claim all three points for the Baggies.
However, Leko’s night was ended slightly earlier than expected as he lunged in and made a rash challenge to earn a second yellow card.
With Leko sent off, the remaining 10 players defended for their lives and nearly conceded, as Stoke defender Harry Souttar glanced a free header wayward from six yards out.
Nevertheless, Albion held on and managed to seal the three points on an eventful night in West Bromwich.
Man of the Match: Rekeem Harper
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