Mikey Johnston features in injury return as West Brom lose friendly

Mikey Johnston made his return from injury as Albion lost a training ground friendly against Notts County 3-1.

The winger broke his ankle at the end of February which ruled him out for the remainder of the campaign as James Morrison’s side achieved survival.

But Johnston played the first 45 minutes in the behind-closed-doors defeat to the newly-promoted League One Pies, played at the club’s training base in Walsall.

It took place before Albion’s public clash at Shrewsbury at 3pm, with more than 3,000 away fans expected. Morrison watched the first half before heading to Shropshire.

New recruit Barney Stewart equalised for Albion shortly after the Baggies fell behind to Jack Evans in the first half.

Stewart, who also netted against Bromley in Portugal, converted a first-time finish.

Albion - whose starting XI also consisted senior players Matt Ingram, Krystian Bielik, Nat Phillips and Jayson Molumby - looked to have edged ahead in the second half but Souleyman Mandey was denied by an offside flag.

Stewart, Molumby and youngster Jack Bray were denied by goalkeeper James Belshaw with the scoreline level.

Pies rode out the pressure and struck twice in the final 15 minutes through Luke Browne and Emile Acquah.

The defeat comes two weeks before the new season begins at Rotherham in the EFL Cup and three weeks before the Championship kick off at Norwich. Albion’s final friendly next Saturday is at League One Peterborough.

Albion (4-4-2): Ingram, Mohammed (Pinnington, 76), Bielik, Phillips (Iddrisa, 87), Crowther; Johnston (Mandey, 45), Molumby, Deeming, Bostock; Stewart, Bray (French, 76)

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