By Terry Wills.
A satisfying final home win against the Everton Toffees who came unstuck (!) and in so doing managed to create their own bit in this season’s eventual Albion history.
The visitors not only failed to prevent a Youssouf Mulumbu goal that condemned them to suffering a double defeat against the Baggies, BUT in the process managed to become only the second team not to score against us!!
It was a competent display. Plenty of sharp attacking moves, Scott Carson, when required, making some good saves, and taken all round it left a large majority of Baggies supporters according the team a warm welcome as they strolled around the pitch after the game. Roy Hodgson led the lap of honour as coaching staff and players showed their appreciation to some of the most loyal fans in the game. And in saying that, what a difference to experiences of the St Andrews faithful who were granted the same ‘honour’ after watching what was unanimously condemned as an appalling display against Fulham, to leave them clinging on and hoping they would still be playing Greed League football come August.
Which brings us to the final nail biting games on Sunday – Matches that will determine the destination and hopes of all our Midland teams; some more than others.
Wolves? They should survive.
Villa? Read on.
But in the case of Blues it’s very much in the lap of the gods. So complicated are the possibilities that they could win, lose, or draw and survive, or still find themselves travelling to Championship grounds next season simply due to goal difference.
We’re off to Newcastle. A long journey where the full house United supporters will be treated to the sight of thousands of ‘Bomber Brown masks paying tribute to a true Hawthorns legend. I just wish he was young enough to play now.
The intriguing background is that should Albion match Villa’s result, at home to Liverpool, we would finish top of the Midland’s ‘mini’ league. To the rest of the country that means nothing, but for Villa fans who for so long have been top dogs, they certainly wouldn’t be happy to relinquish this position. Especially to a newly promoted club who have already managed to beat them in a game for the first time in 26 years!
Finally, whatever the result, wherever we finish, whatever our final result, for all Albion supporters it has turned out to be our most successful Premier/Greed League ever. And for that we are truly grateful.
Come on you Baggies.