Wonder goal gives Albion win

A stunning 45-yard lob from 15-year-old academy youngster Lateef Alliyu (pictured) gave Albion a 1-0 win at Stafford Rangers last night, writes Steve Marshall.

The teenager's wonder strike lit up an otherwise low key friendly at Marston Road which fell very much in the 'fitness workout' category.

In entertainment terms, it certainly failed to reach heights of Tuesday's goal fest at Bristol Rovers, but when some of the Baggies players on view had also taken part in that rollercoaster ride that was hardly surprising.

Instead, the positives were more in tune with the first team squad members working towards their match fitness ahead of the big kick-off.

The most pleasing sight was that of Neil Clement looking strong and solid in his first pre-season run out after being given extra time off in pre-season for family reasons.

And then there was THAT goal from Alliyu.

The youngster wouldn't have even been close to being involved at Marston Road had it not been for the fact Albion's senior academy players and young pros have just flown out on a tour of Denmark.

But, with numbers still tight in the Hawthorns squad, he was one of three under-16s to play some part - and he certainly marked his big night in style with a 62nd minute goal David Beckham would have been proud of.

Without a second thought Alliyu calmly stroked the ball over the Rangers defence and into the empty net from the edge of the centre circle after home keeper Danny Alcock had raced from his area to head clear and prevent Stuart Nicholson latching on to Clement's through ball.

And reserve team coach Craig Shakespeare revealed the youngster had earned his chance by impressing while on work experience with the first team.

"Without wanting to put too much on his shoulders at such a young age, he plays with enthusiasm and he reminds me a bit of Dwight Yorke in that he plays with a smile on his face, but he's also shown bags of ability," said Shakespeare.

"I've been really pleased with the young lads, not only how they applied themselves but the way they showed a great ability and desire to play football.

"They weren't overawed and they were as keen as mustard to play. Lateef knew he was playing yesterday morning and was very keen to start the game and that showed in his performance.

"I think it shows we have people coming through from the academy and it is good experience for them.

"Lateef did two week's work experience with the first team at he start of pre-season.

"Rather than work experience where he did the filing or made the tea, he did pre-season with us and he didn't look out of place.

"It's important that if lads are good enough and show good ability and the right character and personality that you put them in there and develop them.

"He's been in the system for a while and he's impressed everyone since he's been here with his all-round ability."

Rangers boss Phil Robinson said losing to Alliyu's wonder goal didn't prevent him being pleased with his side's efforts as they gear up for the start of their Blue Square Premier campaign.

"I thought it was a good workout for us and I was really pleased West Brom brought a strong team over," said Robinson.

"We showed a little bit of both sides of our play in that we worked hard defensively and tried to stop them playing.

"That's difficult, but we managed it to a certain extent and worked hard to win the ball back, and when we had it I thought we played some good stuff and created some opportunities.

"I think the lads can take some confidence from it."

Clear chances were at a premium, with the disappointing Sherjill MacDonald wasting Albion's best first half opening after being picked out by German trialist Bulent Gunduz.

The Dutch striker looked certain to score but hit his close range shot straight at Allcock, before seeing the rebound blocked by Craig McAughtrie.

Nicholson was crowded out by Wayne Daniel when clean through, while Darren Carter forced a comfortable save out of Alcock with a free-kick.

Veteran Neil Grayson proved Rangers' biggest threat, twice firing narrowly wide from long range, while both both he and strike partner Dolapo Olaoye were denied by saves from Luke Steele.

Stafford Rangers (4-4-2): Alcock (Duggan, 78); Sangare, Daniel (Richards, 78) McAughtrie, Sutton; Peters (Marach, 60), Flynn, Gregory, Sebastion; Grayson (Suhaj, 71), Olaoye (Adaggio, 60). Subs: Fisher, Draper, Hopkinson, Ingram, Scott, Linford, Wood. Albion (4-3-3): Steele (Daniels, HT); Wallwork, Martis (Hodgkiss, 58), Albrechtsen, Clement; Gunduz (Hurst, 75), Chaplow, Carter; Nicholson, MacDonald (Sawyers, 82), Alliyu.

Ref: Mr A Wiley (Burntwood)

Attendance: 1,212