Friendlies: Lambert signs, nets two for WBA

Rickie Lambert enjoyed a whirlwind start to his West Brom career on Friday, marking his debut with two goals just hours after passing a medical and signing a two-year deal.

The brace helped the Baggies to a 4-0 win over Bristol Rovers, where Lambert played from 2006-2009.

The fee was agreed around lunchtime and Lambert travelled down to Birmingham for a medical ahead of the deal being completed late in the day.

He then started Albion’s preseason friendly, opening the scoring with a deflected effort in the 23rd minute and doubling his tally with a close-range finish a minute after the break.

Lambert nearly had a hat trick but saw his curling shot whistle past the post, and he was replaced in the 56th minute.

Craig Gardner and Victor Anichebe also scored for West Brom on either side of half-time.

Two newly promoted Premier League sides lost in other friendlies on Friday night.

Last year’s Championship winners Bournemouth lost 3-2 to Cardiff City.

Tokelo Rantie opened the scoring for the Cherries in the 28th minute, but Cardiff responded through Joe Ralls and Alex Revell to take the lead before half-time.

Revell added a second after the break, and through Marc Pugh pegged one back for Bournemouth there was to be no equaliser.

Meanwhile, Watford lost at home to Sevilla 1-0 after Vitolo found the winner in the 70th minute.

Information from Press Association was used in this report.

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