Albion Powerchair's FIPFA Club World Cup campaign got underway earlier today, with mixed results coming against Club Nacional de Football and Upsilon Châtenay-Malabry.
Goals from Brad Bates and Matt Gilbert either side of a Marco Diaz strike saw Albion make the perfect start against Uruguayan side Club Nacional, before a narrow defeat came in their second match against the tournament hosts.
The Baggies can still qualify from Group A when they take on Western Sydney Wanderers at the PRISME arena tomorrow afternoon (15:00 BST).
In the tournament opener, Bates sent early warning signs to Los Tricolores outfit within a minute of the tie. The forward saw his initial shot blocked but worked an angle well to strike an inch wide of the target.
The Baggies scored an excellent counter-attack just moments later, Chris Gordon played Gilbert into space, leaving him to tee up Bates in acres of space to give Albion the perfect early start.
Nacional took full advantage of the water break midway through the first period, and came out fighting. Francisco Wild split the Albion defence apart with a pinpoint pass, leaving Diaz to spin into the bottom corner.
Albion still had an opportunity to stamp their authority on their opening tie, though, and played out a similar move that brought them their first. Bates turned provider on this occasion, swinging into Gilbert – leaving him the task of finishing past goalkeeper Nicolas Pulas.
The second game of the day brought the challenge of rotated hosts Upsilon Châtenay-Malabry, who always provide stern competition for the Baggies.
Though Albion were keen to continue their winning streak. Gilbert might’ve grabbed two in the opening half, his first effort shot blocked by Erwan Conq as he tried to tap in, while his second was nicely teed up by Gordon – Gilbert's shot halted by Conq again.
The hosts came out with a renewed vigour in the second period, as substitute Morgan Lifante picked out a shot between Gordon and Lucas Christer, leaving UCM a goal ahead.
Albion tried their best to level the scoring but a professional performance from the hosts saw out an important three points for them.
The Baggies have the opportunity to qualify from Group A tomorrow against Western Sydney Wanderers (15:00 BST) - you can watch the tournament HERE.
Albion: Gordon (c), Christer, Inel, Rock, Bates, Bolt, Gilbert.
