Albion res 3 Fulham res 0

Sep 16 2008 by Ken Montgomery, Birmingham Mail

CRAIG Beattie scored twice as Albion opened their points account for the season with an emphatic victory in Premiership Reserve League South.

Following a low-key first half, during which chances were at a premium, the Scottish international striker put the Baggies in front after 55 minutes direct from a superb free-kick into keeper David Stockdale’s top right-hand corner.

It was the lively Beattie who had been fouled by Lewis Cumber and in the 72nd minute the Fulham defender repeated the performance, this time upending Beattie in the box.

Beattie struck home the spot-kick but it had to be retaken for encroachment. He netted it again, but ironically sustained an injury in the process which forced him off.

Albion went further in front from a superbly-worked 89th-minute move.

Substitute Mo Saied ran on to a defence-splitting pass by striker Bartosz Slusarski and crossed for the unmarked Lateef Elford-Alliyu to score from close range.

It was fitting that Elford-Alliyu should get his name on the scoresheet after an outstanding game just behind the front two.

There was little of note in the first half, although Albion went closest with Stockdale making a good save from Beattie’s 23rd-minute free-kick and Elford-Alliyu hitting the bar with a superb 25-yard effort in the 32nd minute.

Paul Downing was impressive in midfield as Albion dominated.

ALBION (4-3-1-2): Kiely; Martis, Pele, Donk, Cech; MacDonald (Saied 63), Downing (Martin 76), Mantom; Elford-Alliyu; Beattie (Sawyers 74), Slusarski. Subs not used: Allsopp, Pike.