Solly March earned Albion under-21s their first win of the season today following three narrow defeats.

The winger slid in a delivery from substitute Jesse Starkey 13 minutes from time to secure a 1-0 victory for Simon Rusk's side against Stoke.

March was among several first team squad regulars in the line-up.

New signing Elvis Manu had another 45-minute outing in the first half after making his debut from half-time in Saturday's 0-0 draw at Wolves.

March was also joined by three other substitutes for the Wolves game, Niki Maenpaa, Rohan Ince and Jake Forster-Caskey, together with Manu's fellow Dutchman Danny Holla who has drifted out of first team contention.

Maenpaa, David Stockdale's Finnish international understudy, made a couple of key saves to keep Albion on terms and another in the closing stages in the wind and rain at the training complex in Lancing to preserve Albion's advantage.

The under-21s had previously suffered defeats by the odd goal against Fulham, Swansea and Aston Villa.

Albion: Maenpaa; Hunt, Barclay, Dallison, Barnett, Ince, Holla, Forster-Caskey, March, Manu (Akindayini 46), Ward (Starkey 61). Subs not used: Smith, Tilley, White.