West Brom goal hero dedicates strike to family

Sep 16 2009 by Chris Lepkowski

TEENAGER Chris Wood dedicated his first ever senior West Brom goal to his family.

The 17-year-old New Zealand international smashed in a 25-yard stunner to ensure the Baggies' 3-1 victory against Doncaster and lift them back up to the top of the Championship.

Wood was watched by mother Julie and father Grant, who flew over to the UK last week to watch his son in action against Plymouth and Doncaster.

His mother was photographed calling Chris' sister Chelsey, who still lives in New Zealand, to inform her of the youngster's goal.

Wood was overwhelmed by his first senior goal.

"My dad flew in on Friday so it was good to have both of them here," said Wood.

"Mum was on the phone to my sister back home.

"They are 11 hours in front so it would be about 9am. I don’t think my sister will have been listening but she would have checked the result.

"She is the only one missing out at the moment but she is over here at Christmas time and hopefully I can score a couple for her then.