Match Reports

Stoke PL2 v Albion PL2 report

Albion Under-23s were beaten 4-1 by a strong Stoke City Under-23 side at the bet365 Stadium on Monday night.

The hosts led from start to finish with Mame Biram Diouf grabbing a first-half brace, and Tre Pemberton also getting on the scoresheet.

Stanley Asomugha bagged a goal for Jamie Smith's side, but Charlie Adam would restore Stoke’s three goal lead at the death as he scored from the spot.

The hosts found themselves ahead within the first two minutes, as Thibaud Verlinden chipped a cross into the Albion box which Diouf rose highest to head home into the corner of the net.

Stoke came forward again with Verlinden lashing a shot goalwards, but Palmer did well to push it to safety.

The Potters stretched their lead in a similar fashion to the way they had created it. Verlinden raced down the wing and teed a cross onto Diouf’s head - only this time Palmer parried his initial effort, but only into the path of Pemberton, who volleyed into the roof of the net.

And Stoke would make it three after the half-hour mark. Former Albion player Darren Fletcher played Diouf through on goal, leaving the powerful striker to feign a shot and round Palmer before smashing home from close range.

After the break, Albion came out much brighter. Rogers struck a low effort goalwards but it was caught by Jakob Haugaard in the Potters net.

The Baggies pulled a goal back as Max Melbourne’s low cross was controlled by Asomugha, who hit a shot on the turn to find the back of the net.

Albion then dominated the play as they searched for a second. Tom Solanke, Dan Meredith and Tulloch all went close, but the Stoke defence held firm. 

The hosts rounded off the scoring with a minute of normal time to play, as Charlie Adam scored a penalty after Solanke brought down Verlinden in the box.

ALBION: Palmer, Ferguson, Solanke, Healy; Gardner-Hickman, Meredith, Azaz (Brown 89), Melbourne; Rogers; Tulloch (Gilbert 89), Asomugha.

Substitutes: Pierce, White, Taylor.