SUPER-SUB Lee Lynch's second-half strike ensured Albion Under-18s got their season off to a flying start with a 1-0 win in their FA Premier Academy League inter-group clash at Southampton.

Baggies reserves and Academy coach Michael Appleton said: "We could have been 3-0 up in the first 20 minutes had we put away our opportunities.

"They had a little spell just before half-time when they put us under pressure a bit without really creating any chances.

"After half-time we played well again for half-an-hour and scored through Lee.

"He not only scored but also hit the post and bar, and made the keeper make two or three saves.

"He made a real impact on the game and I was really pleased for him because he had an indifferent pre-season.

"They had a lad sent off late on and we became a bit sloppy and needed to see the game out.

"Overall it was a very good performance and a much deserved win.

"Their coach told me he felt lucky it was goalless at half-time and that's a big compliment to the lads.

"I just hope they can take it into the game against Sunderland on Saturday because they have won their league for the last three years and have made the last eight of the FA Youth Cup for the last few years."

ALBION: Lewis; Pike, Clarke, Downing, Waghorn (Lynch HT); Mantom (Lovell 80), Samuels, Saeid, Sawyers (Brown 60); Woods, Lake-Gaskin. Subs: Allsopp (gk), Knight. 

You can keep up to date with all the latest Baggies news when you are not by your PC by visiting our Albion Mobile site (click here).