Peterborough United's League One challenge has been put to the test as West Brom secured a win in their pre-season match. The Baggies were good value for their victory but had to find a gear in the second half to put away the League One Posh.
What happened?
Strikers Aune Heggebo and Barney Stewart were on target as Albion ensured a winning end to pre-season at Peterborough United. The Baggies were good value for their victory but had to find a gear in the second half to put away the League One Posh.
Why it matters for Peterborough United
The Posh will be looking to bounce back from this defeat and get their League One campaign off to a strong start. With 62 goals scored and 62 conceded this season, they will need to tighten up their defense if they want to challenge for a top spot in the league.
What comes next?
Peterborough United will be looking to get back to winning ways when they take on their next opponent. With 41 points behind leaders Lincoln in the title race, they will need to start picking up points quickly if they want to stay in contention.
League standing (final 2025 table -- new season not yet under way): 17th in League One, 52 pts, 15W-7D-21L from 43 games, recent form DLLDL. Goals this season: 62 scored, 62 conceded (0 goal difference). Currently sidelined: S. Hughes, R. Adebisi.
Strikers' habits
Albion strikers have been in the goals in pre-season. New boy Jimmy-Jay Morgan has four but was unable to find the net against former loan club Peterborough. Aune Heggebo is up to three after his opener and another new recruit, Barney Stewart, has two. They are the Baggies' three senior frontmen and to have them among the goals early on will please Morrison. The trio are expected to shoulder the burden for goals, as it stands. Morrison mentioned "good habits" after the game and similar applies here. Stewart's finish was a cultured after Heggebo's poached effort. It remains to be seen if the Baggies can recruit another striker, after Cameron Archer links.
Captain contender?
It was a slight surprise to see central defender George Campbell named Albion skipper at London Road. But those behind the scenes at The Hawthorns see the American, who only joined from Montreal 12 months ago, as a figure that leads by example with the way he carries himself both on and off the field. Campbell was one of the club's consistent performers last season, despite playing most of the campaign out of position. He has excelled since switching to centre-back and is very much in the frame for new club captain with Alex Mowatt and others. Morrison is likely to confirm his choice this week.
Returning Johnston tweak
Winger Mikey Johnston has not played competitively since February but had some minutes the previous weekend in the training ground defeat against Notts County. This was a step up for the trickster on his comeback from that nasty broken ankle at Oxford. Johnston wasted little time in making his impact felt at London Road, as his measured pass to Stewart led to the latter converting a cool angled finish for 2-0. That assist came from Johnston's tweaked role, as confirmed by Morrison afterwards. Johnston was used centrally as the slightly deeper option of Albion's front two, rather than out wide. The Baggies will continue to be patient with Johnston, but he will be looking to make a bigger impact in the coming weeks.
