Stoke took the lead on 17 minutes with a Dave Brammer 30-yard shot and Ade Akinbiyi doubled the home sides lead 15 minutes later.
Scott Dobie scored what proved to be just a consolation goal for the Baggies four minutes before the half time break after good work by young Paul Robinson.
Gary Megson gave an Albion debut to Jonathan Greening and Polish trialist Marcin Zajac also got a run-out for the Baggies.
BEAT THE MANAGER IS BACK!
