Stoke 0 West Brom 1: Phillips' strike hands Ryan Mason third win in first four league games

Phillips' header just 15 minutes into the game was all that separated the two sides - as Albion ended what has been an eventful week with their third win in the first four league games.

For spells Albion were forced to soak up pressure from the home side and they did so, while also having chances on the break to kill off the game.

Late on they had to withstand late pressure but restricted Stoke to limited chances throughout - and were thoroughly deserving of the three points.

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Mason was always going to have to make two changes - following the departures of Tom Fellows and Darnell Furlong.

Chris Mepham came straight in for a full debut with George Campbell moving out to right back- while Jed Wallace came in for Fellows in what was his first start since January.

Surprisingly Mason opted to name two goalkeepers on the bench, with youngster Joe Wallis alongside Joe Wildsmith - as the likes of Cole Deeming and Krystian Bielik were also absent from the squad along with the injured Karlan Grant.

Albion took a few minutes to settle in the Potteries - but after some initial Stoke pressure they grew into the opening moments.

Wallace curled an effort wide, before Mikey Johnston had shot stopper Viktor Johansson back peddling to just about keep a wicked cross from going over the line.

It was Albion in the ascendancy and they nosed themselves ahead on the 15 minute mark. Johansson spilled an Alex Mowatt corner straight to Phillips who poked Albion home with his first goal since his summer arrival.

The goal was a deserved one for Albion who had looked the more threatening than the hosts.

Stoke, for the possession they were having, were struggling to create but midway through the half they had what they felt was a strong claim for a penalty.

They ripped Albion open down the right and crossed for Divin Mubama whose effort was blocked by Campbell, as big appeals went up for handball.

The ref waved the claims away - but aside from that Stoke were looking pretty blunt in attack as Albion's new look back four were dealing with the pressure.

They did finally call Josh Griffiths into action six minutes before the break - as he had to react quickly to keep out Million Maneof's back post header.

Within three minutes of the restart Stoke were presented with a gift - as Styles attempt to cut out a cross field ball saw him direct the ball straight to Mubama but his effort cannoned back off the post.

It was Stoke who were putting the squeeze on in the opening minutes - with Albion having to deal with a number of balls into their box.

Albion soaked it up well but when they broke they were finding it difficult to break down Stoke - who were getting back in good numbers.

However, 23 minutes from time they carved out a golden chance as a rapid break saw Mowatt cross with Heggebo inches away from turning it home at the back post.

Bae Junho came inches away from volleying Stoke level at the other end - as the game really began to open up with 20 minutes remaining.

A bigger chance then fell to Wallace, who was in acres of space when a Heggebo flick on found him but he couldn't get a connection on the ball.

Both sides were having a go - with Sorba Thomas' cross come shot tipped over as Stoke looked to find a way back into it.

Mason made late changes to shut up shop - with youngster Alex Williams handed a Championship debut from the bench.

And they saw out the final minutes to earn a precious and well deserved three points.

Teams

Albion: Griffiths, Mepham, Phillips, Campbell, Styles, Mowatt (Williams 88), Molumby (Maja 90), Johnston (Diakite 88), Price, Wallace (Collyer 79), Heggebo

Subs not used: Wildsmith, Wallis, Gilchrist, Bostock, Cole

Stoke: Johannsson, Cresswell (Bocat 90), Wilmot, Lawel, Tchamadeu, Baker, Seko (Pearson 85), Thomas, Manhoef, Junho (Bozenik 85), Mubama

Subs not used: Bonham, Donley, Gibson, Phillips, Talovierov, Smith