Delhi Dynamos FC put up a gallant show before going down 0-1 against West Brom in what was the first instance of an Indian Super league outfit taking on an EPl side on their home ground.
Watched by a large contingent of local Asian supporters at the Hawthorns Stadium, Dynamos underlined their preparedness for the upcoming Hero ISl back home with an impressive outing.
The lions showed grit and determination while taking on their much fancied opponent who fielded majority of their first team squad including the likes of Mohamed Sissoko, Maruane Chamakh, Craig Dawson, Jonas Olsson and Rahis Nabi, youngest of the Nabi brothers.
The match also saw the debut of a few players with West Brom naming new recruits Nacer Chadli and Robson Kanu in the squad, while the Delhi Dynamos second marquee player Ruben Gonzalez and Samir Nabi made their debut for the lions.
West Bromwich started off well taking the attack right to the Delhi Dynamos from the initial minutes of the match with Kane Wilson coming close to scoring a goal in the ninth minute when he drilled a shot narrowly wide off the post from inside the box.
Delhi Dynamos’ first shy at the goal came in the 30th minute when right back Rupert Nongrum got into a comfortable position inside the box on a cross from the left flank, but fired his shot high and wide off the target.
After the change of ends, West Brom launched an early attack with Phillips again at the helm of affairs. He had almost put his name on the scoresheet with a stinging shot only to be blocked by Soram Poirei, who came on as substitute for Toni at the half time.
West Brom broke the deadlock in the 64th minute through James Smith, whipping in a wicked pass from Phillips from a close range to break the Dynamos defence.