Alvechurch 1-4 WBA U23's

Alvechurch suffered their first pre-season friendly defeat as they were beaten by a young and vibrant West Bromwich Albion side.

Darren Byfield's side knew it would be a tough test, with the Baggies defeating league rivals Tamworth in mid-week, but put up a good showing before fitness clearly took a toll.

In an even first-half chances were restricted to strikes from distance. First, Albion right-back Dan Meredith fired over the bar, before Mitch Botfield, who scored against Littleton on Tuesday night, fired wide from the edge of the box. The little chances reflected a very even first half but the home side went into half-time behind.

Goalkeeper Bobby Biddle misplaced a pass to Albion striker Owen Windsor and he calmly slotted the ball into the bottom corner. With a number of fresh faces on for the visitors at the break Albion started the second half quickly.

Nick Clayton-Phillips fired wide of goal while Biddle denied Sam Wilding; before Javia Roberts forced a save from Albion keeper Brad House. Windsor then came inches away from grabbing his second of the game with a low striker which hit the post, while Alvechurch substitute Dean Fisher saw his shot deflected just wide after a good run.

With the game wearing on though Albion become ruthless. A West Brom trialist got their second goal of the game via the crossbar; before Clayton-Phillips won and converted a penalty to seal the win. Clayton-Phillips then scored a stunning long distance strike to put some gloss on the score line.

Alvechurch responded through Peter Till though; who himself scored a brilliant free-kick towards the end of the game.

Despite the result the game proved a great work-out for Alvechurch; something that pleased Byfield. They now travel to AFC Wulfrunians on Tuesday night.