The Albion Foundation's Blind team secured an FA Disability Cup victory on Saturday, beating RNC 3-2 in the final to take home the trophy.
The Baggies came from behind twice in the game to win, securing the silverware against their Hereford-based league opponents at St. George's Park.
Paul Iyobo was the hero of the half-hour, scoring a hat-trick to drive Albion to victory and sparking scenes of jubilation with his winner just two minutes from time.
Albion impressed viewers across the country, with the game shown live on TNT Sports from the home of England's men and women teams.
The Baggies opened the game in positive fashion, but RNC had the majority of the early chances.
They began with a tricky break down the left which was halted by some excellent ground coverage from Mo Ahmed.
Keryn Seal also played his part in keeping the scores on level terms when his crucial tackle denied RNC a dangerous shooting position.
Iyobo then struck a venomous effort low towards goal but was denied by RNC goalkeeper Dylan Malpas.
RNC would’ve then taken the lead had it not been for Owen Locke in the Albion goal, who got down low to see off a close range effort.
![Paul Iyobo with the FA Disability Cup Player of the Match trophy.](https://cdn.wba.co.uk/sites/default/files/2024-06/dscf1010.jpg)
Our opponents soon made their early pressure count and RNC struck home through Azeem Amir to take the lead inside 10 minutes.
Iyobo was ready to respond immediately afterwards, and did so. He thundered a strike high into the net to get Albion level.
Substitute Efe Shimwell went on a mazy run in an attempt to take the Baggies into the lead for the first time in the game, however his resulting shot went just wide.
The two sides went in level at the break, but RNC came out of the traps quickly and Amir added a second just a minute after the restart.
The Baggies weren’t in the mood for waiting as they pushed for their equaliser. Iyobo again the dangerman, this time nestling a shot to the goalkeepers left to make it 2-2.
Albion aimed to turn the tide late in the game and Shimwell won a penalty after being fouled as he darted infield towards goal. Unfortunately, on this occasion, Iyobo couldn't take advantage and fired over the bar.
Just minutes later though, Iyoboi would make amends for his miss, burying another spot-kick straight down the middle with moments remaining.
RNC did little to trouble to Albion within the last couple of minutes and it was the eventual winners who could've added another through Iyobo, but the Player of the Match hit the post with another penalty.
Albion's Blind team followed their triumphant victory with elation at the full-time whistle, as they took home the 2024 FA Disability Cup.
![Paul Iyobo holding up the trophy with the rest of WBA Blind celebrating.](https://cdn.wba.co.uk/sites/default/files/2024-06/dscf0990.jpg)
Albion Blind: Owen Locke (GK), Lewis Landers (GK), Keryn Seal, Efe Shimwell, Darren Harris, Eesa Amjid, Mo Ahmed, Paul Iyobo.