Wolves Academy under 18s enjoyed a fine 3-1 victory over near neighbours West Bromwich Albion on Saturday with Nathan Rooney bagging a hat-trick.

The win meant that Wanderers had completed the double over their arch rivals having beaten them 1-0 at Compton Park last September.

Albion, who this time had home advantage, fielded a very strong side that had players in it who have been in and around their first team and others who have been out on loan to Football league clubs to gain experience.

Coach Mick Halsall said: "The game started brightly with both sides trying to stamp their mark on the game. But as the first-half progressed it was the Albion who dominated possession and were asking questions of our team.

"We could not manage to keep the ball albeit we did look a threat on the counter possibly creating the best chances of the first-half.

"After the break the game started in the same fashion as the first had finished with Albion pushing on and they who took the lead after some hesitant play from our defenders.

"It was at this point our lads came into their own as we started to push onto them and continued to counter attack whenever we could.

"Our first goal came from one of these counters with Natty Laing running the length of the pitch before being fouled on the edge of the box. The ball was moved slightly for Nathan Rooney (pictured) to bend into the top corner for the equaliser.

"From this point on we had more of the game and scored again through Rooney after good work down our right with the ball being pulled back for another cool finish.

"We then took more control although Albion kept coming at us and still looked a threat but we managed to score a third, once again through Nathan, with another good finish.

"I feel it was a deserved win for us after having defended well in the first half then showing more of a threat in the second and scoring three very good goals."