West Brom did not include all of their new signings but did put out a strong side to offer City a serious test in their final warm up game. Tony Pulis opted to start with Ed De Goey in goal ahead of Steve Simonsen and it was the big Dutchman who was tested first, making a sharp save from a long range effort.
However, City once again started brightly and fashioned a good chance much thanks to the work of Gifton Noel-Williams. He used his strength to hold off a couple of defenders before unselfishly laying on the ball for Clive Clarke who struck across the face of the goal but the ball cannoned back for Lewis Neal who lashed the ball wel over the bar rather than taking time to steady himself.
City did take the lead though after 16 minutes with a quite wonderful goal from the once again impressive Dave Brammer. When the midfielder found himself in space he decided to take aim from around 35 yards and the ball flew into the net via a post past the beleagured looking Russel Hoult in the Albion goal.
The goal startled Albion and the Potters began to stamp their authority on the game. A good length of pressure appeared to have paid off when Taggart half volleyed at goal only to see his shot dubiously cleared off the line by a very lucky defender.
The pressure finally paid off in the 33rd minute when a Brammer corner was once again won by Taggart who nodded down for Akinbiyi to fire home from close range. That could have ended a good contest but thankfully Albion did try to get back into the game and were rewarded with a goal just before the interval. John Halls was left standing as a diagonal ball into the box fell over his head and the ball was quickly pushed into the path of Scott Dobie who netted from the edge of the six-yard box.
Simonsen was once again given the second half to prove himself as Pulis remains undecided perhaps as to who his first choice 'keeper is. However, it was the Potters who could have put the game beyond doubt in the 52nd minute. Lewis Neal jinked past a defender outside the box and drove a powerful shot towards goal which Hoult did well to get to. Wayne Thomas then did well to get his head on the resulting corner and was unfortunate to see the ball land on the roof of the net.
The Baggies should have ensured their blushes were saved when Marcin Zajac was left one-on-one with Simonsen but he rolled his shot wide of the left-hand post.
That pretty much signalled the end of any goal mouth action as the increased substitutions began to affect the rhythm of the game. Johnston was given a good run out on the left wing and looked to be a decent player. It must be said that Neal has been fairly ineffective in that postion and if Ndlovu does not sign up, Pulis may decide to offer the ex-Rangers man a contract.
City look fit for the new season and have made a superb signing in Brammer who should boss the midfield this term. However, the squad is still paper-thin and Pulis is right to be cap in hand at the boards door. At least one winger is imperative whilst there is still the Taggart situation left unresolved to leave a busy week ahead at the Britannia Stadium.