Bristol Rovers 0-1 West Brom: The Sunday Mirror pre-season match report

Graham Dorrans underlined why West Brom boss Roberto Di Matteo fought so hard to keep him away from West Ham with an instinctive goal.

The 23-year-old, who signed a new contract at The Hawthorns this week, was the target of three failed bids by the Hammers after getting 18 goals in Albion’s promotion season.

And he showed that finishing touch is ready for the Premier League as he diverted home Luke Moore’s centre to set up a third victory in as many pre-season games for Di Matteo’s side.

The Albion boss said: “Whenever you have a midfield player who can scores goals it is a bonus for your team - there are not many of them around that can do that.

“Graham’s got that ability and he’s full of enthusiasm to show it again this season at a higher level.

“It was a good workout for us and I thought we looked good defensively. A clean sheet is always a good thing.”

With front men Ishmael Miller, Roman Bednar and Simon Cox all out injured it was a rare chance for one-time Aston Villa golden boy Moore to try to rescue his career.

The 24-year-old has never settled since a £3.5million move from neighbours Aston Villa two summers ago and scored just five goals in that time.

That’s seen him drop to fifth in the Albion pecking order and Di Matteo would listen to offers for him.

But after replacing Canadian youngster Marcus Haber as a half time substitute he put some much needed energy into West Brom’s game and almost set up a second goal with another great cross only for James Morrison’s shot to get blocked on the line.

Rovers, who just missed out on a League One play-off place last season, were unlucky when midfielder Chris Lines beat former England goalkeeper Scott Carson with a free kick in the first two minutes but hit the post.

And Carson had to conjure up a superb late save to deny teenager Lamar Powell a few minutes after Steven Reid had cleared off the line from another promising youngster Charlie Reece.