Baggies defenders back in action

WEST Bromwich Albion defender Neil Clement had his first taste of competitive football in 13 weeks during the Baggies reserves 6-3 victory over Bradford City.

Clement played the first 45 minutes of the Pontins League clash at the Coral Windows Stadium and celebrated his return to action with a trade mark goal from long range courtesy of his trusty left foot.

Another of Albion`s tally of injured defenders, Martin Albrechtsen, also made a successful return after six weeks out of action, playing the full 90 minutes.

Both players are recovering from knee injuries.

The home side opened the scoring after 19 minutes but Albion hit back almost immediately, Craig Beattie applying the finishing touch from close range two minutes later.

Clement put the visitors ahead on the half hour, finding he corner of the net from fully 25 yards.

Bradford`s new Chilean striker Willy Topp, making his first appearance in a Bantams shirt, drew the teams level again just before half time.

Albion sent on youngster Mo Saied with 30 minutes to go and he restored the lead with a neat lob over the keeper.

City equalised almost immediately but Richard Chaplow made it 4-3 on 80 minutes before Albion wrapped up the win with two more late goals Josh Knight on 82 minutes and Saied in stoppage time.

Albion lined up with 16-year-old Gavin Carlin in goal on his second-string debut.

Albion Reserves: Carlin, Albrechtsen, Tininho, Manchester, Clement (Nicholls 46); Chaplow, Worrall, Labadie (Saied 60); Beattie, Nardiello (Knight 46), Compton. Subs not used: Lloyd-Weston, Holmes.