Shane Long's brace has given West Bromwich Albion a 2-0 lead at the break against Aston Villa in the Premier League.

The Irishman grabbed both goals inside the first 11 minutes as Steve Clarke's side dominated their Midlands' rivals.

Long scored after just three minutes when he brought down Chris Brunt's long ball over the top and slotted home with his left foot.

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The Baggies striker had his second of the evening when he pounced on a sloppy ball across the Villa defence to take it away from Nathan Baker and clip over the on-rushing Brad Guzan.

Morgan Amalfitano gave Stephane Sessegnon a great chance to make it three on 18 minutes, but the Benin international could not connect properly with the cross, with the goal at his mercy.

Long wanted his hat-trick when he drove at the Villa defence after the half-hour mark, but his well-struck effort was beaten away by Guzan with Sessegnon screaming for it to the forward's left.