Rondon and McManaman on target for the Baggies
• Majestic Rondon free-kick gives Albion first-half lead
• Evans returns to action
• Spectacular McManaman goal seals three points
• 21 players feature for the Baggies
STUNNING goals from Salomon Rondon and Callum McManaman lit up the opening game of the FOX Sports Cup as the Baggies earned a 2-1 win over tournament hosts Vitesse Arnhem.
The Venezuela international curled a fierce 25-yard effort in off the crossbar to put the Baggies in front on 26 minutes after Jonathan Leko’s mazy run was halted within striking distance.
James Morrison almost opened the scoring seven minutes earlier when his speculative 30-yard half-volley crashed against the bar.
Ben Foster made way for Boaz Myhill during the interval with Tony Pulis making nine further changes three minutes into the second half.
Craig Gardner came close to doubling Albion’s lead on 52 but his right-foot free-kick whistled wide of the left upright from 20 yards.
Vitesse were level five minutes later when Nathan de Souza drove home a rebound after Myhill parried Marvelous Nakamba’s fierce shot.
Albion restored their lead on 70 minutes through Callum McManaman who weaved one way and then the other before unleashing a thunderous right-foot drive just inside the right post to seal the points for the Baggies.
Tony Pulis's men go into their game against PSV Eindhoven on Saturday knowing another three points could see them win the tournament.
ALBION: Foster (Myhill HT); Dawson, McAuley (Fitzwater 48), Olsson (Wilson 48), Evans (McClean 48); Phillips (Roberts 48), Fletcher (Field 48), Yacob (Gardner 48), Leko (McManaman 48); Morrison (Berahino 48); Rondon (Lambert 48).