Albion's greater strength in depth this season was illustrated at rainswept Woodside Road last night.

A reserve side with plenty of League experience romped to a 7-1 victory against Bournemouth.

Andy Crosby and Paul Brooker were until recently first team regulars.

Crosby had the transfer listed Darren Carr alongside him in the centre of defence, while on the opposite wing to Brooker was Rod Thomas.

Thomas launched the rout with a 13th minute penalty, awarded when Wayne Crutcher brought down the twisting Brooker.

Chris McPhee deflected in a Lee Steele shot on 32 minutes after the Bournemouth defence failed to clear a free kick.

A handling offence by James Ford allowed Thomas to slot his second spot kick early in the second half.

Steele got his name on the scoresheet when the rampant reserves scored their fourth.

The fit-again striker was on hand to tap in Brooker's cross-shot in the 53rd minute.

Crosby converted a free kick from close range on 73 minutes and Danny Davis tucked in a Thomas cross ten minutes later.

Brian Stock replied for the visitors moments before Thomas completed his hat-trick with two minutes left.

The result provided a pre-surgery boost for Warren Aspinall, who took joint charge with Micky Adams. Aspinall's playing career is under threat from an ankle injury which is operated on today.

Albion Reserves: Kuipers; Davis, Jackson, Crosby, Carr, Johnson, Thomas, Malton, Steele, McPhee, Brooker. Subs: Wilkinson (for McPhee 61), Hemsley, Hammond, Virgo (for Steele 82), Wojciechowski (for Brooker 71).