ETHAN Mannion and Liam O'Neil goals guided Albion into the Birmingham Senior Challenge Cup second round in a 2-0 win at Halesowen Town.
Gez Mulholland teed up Mannion to open the scoring in the 25th minute against the Zamaretto League Premier Division outfit.
Five minutes later a young Baggies side doubled their lead when O'Neil headed home Saido Berahino's cross - and that was enough to secure victory at The Grove.
The night was only marred by an ankle injury to Josh Knight at the death, with the Baggies midfielder now awaiting a scan to assess the full extent of the damage.
Albion coach Keith Downing (pictured) said: "It was a very young side with a lot of the lads looking to impress and force their way into the Under-18s Academy side.
"It was a tough night and the lads did well to get themselves ahead in the first half.
"The second half was a bit scrappy but the boys stood up well to the physical test."
ALBION: Tebbutt, Samuels, Mulholland, O'Neil, Malcolm, Connolly (Fowler 60), Knight, Lovell, Mannion (Nabi 75), Berahino, Lynch (Johnson HT). Subs not used: Allsop (gk), Amenku.
