West Bromwich Albion have continued their preparations for the new Premier League season by recording a 2-0 victory over local rivals Walsall this evening.
The hosts made a positive start to the match and James Baxendale fired wide, before Saido Berahino came within inches of connecting with James McClean's dangerous cross.
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Victor Anichebe dragged an effort wide and Stephane Sessegnon blazed over the bar, as the Baggies began to take control of the match.
However, with six minutes of the first half remaining Walsall were given a penalty after Craig Gardner brought down Tom Bradshaw inside the box.
Bradshaw stepped up himself to take the resulting spot kick, but he fired his effort against the post and ended up putting the rebound wide of the target.
At the start of the second half, Baxendale almost fired the hosts into the lead with a fierce drive that was tipped over the bar by Boaz Myhill.
McClean then tried his luck for the visitors with two attempts on goal that were saved by the keeper, but just past the hour mark he played a part as his side made the breakthrough.
The Irishman was slipped in down the left by Chris Brunt, before delivering a low ball across goal that was turned in from close range by Berahino.
Within minutes the hosts came close to grabbing an equaliser, as Kieron Morris fired a strike against the bar and Anthony Forde saw his follow-up cleared off the line by Gardner.
West Brom then grabbed a second goal with seven minutes left, as Brown Ideye tapped home from McClean's cross to make sure of the win.
Alex Meyers
