Albion triumph 2-1 over Dutch hosts in FOX Sports Cup
CAPTAIN Darren Fletcher was left to reflect on a positive night in Holland as Albion took their latest step in pre-season and claimed a 2-1 win over Vitesse Arnhem in the process.
Impressive goals from Salomon Rondon and Callum McManaman either side of Nathan de Souza's leveller ensured Tony Pulis' side tasted victory over the tournament hosts.
And while skipper Fletcher was happy with victory, he was keen to stress that fitness and preparation is the key factor ahead of the Premier League start in just over three weeks' time.
Fletcher on the game...
"It was tough physically. First and foremost, we knew we were going to be leggy going into the game but it was important just to get the first 45 minutes.
"As everyone knows, it's a tough pre-season. The manager isn't concerned about results but, in the end, to get the victory is good.
"For us it was just about two teams getting 45 minutes and taking another step on the road to the beginning of the season."
On victory always tasting nice despite being a friendly...
"Of course, we always speak before the game about winning - although we know we're going to be heavy legged, we're nowhere near the top level yet and we're still working on different things.
"The manager knows all this but it's having that mindset and application to win the match, and somehow do it. And we've managed to do that."
On Albion's impressive goals...
"Salomon's free-kick was fantastic and obviously Callum's great feet and finish. I thought we looked dangerous on the counter-attack at times. They had a lot of possession, we expected that.
"Dutch teams - the way we are, we didn't want the game to be stretched, try and hit them on the break.
"And I thought we looked dangerous especially with Matt Phillips, Jonathan Leko and Salomon, the spaces on the turnover were there.
"Once they get that sharpness I'm sure we'll turn those into goals and more opportunities."