West Brom youngster Justin Seven-Seven scores in 77th minute

West Brom's youth player Justin Seven-Seven scored in the 77th minute of a 3-2 National League Cup defeat to Sutton United.

Preston North End's next opponents West Bromwich Albion have a youth prospect whose name and timing created a perfect football coincidence this week. Justin Seven-Seven came off the bench for West Brom's Under-21s to score in the 77th minute of their National League Cup group-stage match against Sutton United on Tuesday night, though his side ultimately lost 3-2.

The 17-year-old forward, who wears the number 19 shirt, has been with the Baggies' academy since the age of nine and signed a two-year scholarship deal in July 2025. His late strike, which came after he was introduced as a substitute, provided a bright spot in a defeat for the young Baggies at Sutton's ground. The club's official social media account for the match quipped about the timing, with Sutton United posting: "Though the Sutton United admin didn't get the memo and missed it by a minute."

Historical numerical quirks

The goal's timing echoes rare historical precedents where a player's name matched the minute of their goal. French winger Didier Six famously scored in the sixth minute for Valenciennes in a 1976 Coupe de France tie. More recently, striker Armand Oné found the net within the first 60 seconds of a match for French club Laval in October 2010. His son, Ryan Oné, is now a professional at Sheffield United.

For Preston, the story serves as a curious footnote ahead of a key Championship fixture. The Lilywhites, rooted to the bottom of the table in 24th place with just four points from 11 games, host fifth-placed West Brom at Deepdale on Saturday. Ryan Lowe's side are in desperate need of a result, having lost their last three matches, including a 4-1 defeat at Wrexham last Friday. Their recent form shows no wins in five, with a solitary draw against QPR.

The task against a West Brom side pushing for promotion is formidable, but Preston will hope their own players can make headlines for more conventional reasons. The focus returns to league action this weekend, with Preston looking to close a 19-point gap to the summit and start climbing away from danger. Their next chance comes against West Brom at Deepdale on October 24.