Albion under-21s manager Simon Rusk was delighted with his side’s performance in their opening group game of the Leasing.com Trophy.

Rusk’s youngsters ran out 2-0 winners at League One outfit AFC Wimbledon with a second-half own goal and a strike from substitute Bojan Radulovic sealing the points.

Rusk said: “I’m pleased with the performance and, first and foremost, I thought we deserved the win.

“We rode our luck a couple of times from set-pieces but, with a young team out, you are going to ride your luck against an element of seniority.

“We created a lot of good chances ourselves in the first half. I’m really pleased with the team performance and really pleased with the win.”

Andrew Crofts got his first action on the pitch since rejoining Albion in a player-coaching role.

Rusk felt his experience, and that of goalkeeper Jason Steele, proved crucial in helping a young side to victory.

He said: “He is a wonderful professional. I thought we saw that in his approach to the game and I thought he was a great role-model for the lads.

“This showed exactly the purpose of his role tonight.

“But the same must be said of Jason Steele in goal. He is a senior player as well and I think his approach to these type of games has been outstanding. His performance level has been outstanding too. I am happy with their contributions.”