West Bromwich Albion booked their place in the Second Round with an emphatic 4-1 victory over Rotherham United. It was a evening to remember for Jimmy-Jay Morgan, who marked his first competitive start for the club with a brace, while Norwegian Felix Horn Myhre also made an instant impact on his debut, coming off the bench to find the back of the net. Albion’s strong attacking display ensured a comfortable passage into the next round.
After following the Baggies through the last two pre-season games at Shrewsbury and Peterborough, this Saturday was the first competitive fixture of the new campaign — the Carabao Cup First Round.
We took on League 2 side Rotherham United at the New York Stadium, who was relegated from League One last season who was looking to upset our side. The visitors side prevented an upset encouraged by over 2,500 fans in attendance.
The Baggies went 1–0 up after only eight minutes. Harry Whitwell shot towards goal after receiving a cross from French new signing Nolan Galves. Jimmy-Jay Morgan got a slight touch on the ball, changing its direction and sending it past former Baggies goalkeeper Ted Cann and into the net.
The Baggies kept attacking and soon made it 2–0, with Whitwell scoring. The academy graduate scored his first-ever goal for Albion about halfway through the first half. He followed up and scored from the rebound after the goalkeeper saved Morgan’s first shot.
Rotherham put Albion under some pressure before and after half-time, but Albion managed to keep their lead. They were helped by an excellent save from goalkeeper Max O’Leary, who stopped Paul Mullin from scoring.
At half-time, Morrison brought Horn Myhre onto the pitch. Horn Myhre made an immediate impact, scoring just nine minutes into his Albion debut. He received the ball inside the penalty area and calmly put it into the net.
And Albion continued to attack. Around the 60-minute mark, Morgan scored his second goal of the match with a header at the far post, making the travelling supporters very happy.
Albion were unable to keep a clean sheet, though. Tavares scored for United late in the match with a shot at the near post, reducing the deficit to one goal.
However, Albion ultimately won the match and secured their place in the next round of the competition. The draw for the second round will take place on Monday evening.
Rotherham United 1-4 West Brom
Goalscorers for Rotherham: Fabio Tavares
Goalscorers for West Brom: Jimmy-Jay Morgan (x2), Harry Whitwell, Felix Horn Myhre
A first game back and a first win back at Rotherham away — what a way to get back into the routine!
Back to the pre-match pie routine that seemed to work at the back end of last season, having seen us win away at Bristol, Preston and now Rotherham. Before bringing the pies into the routine, I’d seen 11 straight away defeats, so maybe the pie really is the lucky charm when it comes to winning away from home! 🥧⚽
The pub stop was decent too, but I wasn’t impressed with how some of the travelling fans were treated by the stewards when we got back on the coach.
Overall, though, a first game back and a first away win — couldn’t have asked for much more! Now onto Norwich next Saturday.