Express & Star

Video and pictures of West Brom Under-21s

Adil Nabi outshone 'wonder-kid' Jonathan Leko with a hat-trick to fire Albion to a comfortable 4-1 win in their 'mini-derby' against Aston Villa at the Hawthorns.

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The 20-year-old striker, who returned this season after a cruciate knee ligament injury, scored three goals and made the other for Kemar Roofe.

The Baggies fought back from 1-0 down in Division Two of the Under-21 Premier League, writes Steve Madeley.

Thomas Strain headed Villa ahead on 23 minutes, but Nabi drew the home side level just before half-time and they took control after the break.

The visitors took the lead when Tom Smart was beaten on the Baggies left by Daniel O'Brien, whose fine cross was diverted home by an equally impressive looping header from Strain.

Albion were almost level four minutes later when Roofe raced onto Nabi's through-ball and saw his lob rebound off the crossbar, with goalkeeper Brad Watkins beaten.

And the hosts were denied again moments later when Roofe burst down the left and squared for Nabi, whose shot was hooked off the line by Kevin Toner.

Highly-rated 15-year-old Baggies striker Leko, who had a quiet 76 minutes in front of around 50 watching scouts, kept it alive and picked out Bradley Garmston, who blasted into the side-netting.

The Baggies were level on the stroke of half-time through a goal made and finished by Nabi.

He rode two challenges when he could have claimed free-kicks, fed Leko and then surged into the box to meet a right-wing cross and fire home from 10 yards.

Early in the second half, Nabi cut in from the left and exchanged passes with Roofe before rattling the crossbar.

And Nabi played his part as Albion took the lead on 70 minutes, picking out a clever through-ball to find Roofe, who produced a powerful, right-footed finish.

It was 3-1 on 73 minutes when Roofe returned the favour for Nabi, who dummied a defender and stepped onto his left foot before producing a crisp finish.

And Nabi completed his treble with 11 minutes remaining, with a firm header to send Roofe's corner past a helpless Watkins.